MALAKAL, November 25, 2024 — Farmers in Upper Nile State, particularly in Renk County, have criticized the Plant Protection Administration for its failure to control destructive Quelea bird swarms, despite efforts supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Kiir Agor Nyok, a prominent farmer in Renk County, expressed frustration over the delayed response, noting that complaints about bird infestations began in August. “The Ministry of Agriculture has failed,” Nyok said. “There was no quick response to rescue the crops, and now vast areas are destroyed.”
An aircraft provided by FAO to spray pesticides was grounded at Paloch airport, leaving many farmers to resort to traditional pest control methods. Nyok blamed poor coordination between the Federal and State agricultural ministries and the Farmers’ Union for the devastation.
Guot Mayiik, director of agriculture in Melut County, confirmed that the initial spraying efforts were ineffective. “The plane flew over the forests with flocks of birds, but the spray didn’t kill a single one,” Mayiik said, adding that the pesticide used was ineffective.
Upper Nile State Agriculture Minister Yedjuok Edward acknowledged the shortcomings, citing a lack of coordination between the Federal Plant Protection Administration, FAO, and state authorities. “The pesticide was not the right one, which halted the process,” Edward said. “A new spray must be brought in to resume operations.”
As crop damage escalates, farmers continue to await effective pest control measures while relying on traditional methods to mitigate losses.
