The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo commends the spirit of cooperation that has been developed by commercial farming in Limpopo together in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Mpumalanga Department of Environmental affairs. which This has helped reduce the impact of Quelea bird infestations for farmers in the Springbokvlakte and Thabazimbi irrigation areas, along the Crocodile River of Limpopo province.
Infestations of Quelea birds, also known as ‘avian locusts’ can cause substantial losses to small-grain crops such as wheat, sorghum, and millet – affecting subsistence and commercial farmers alike. Estimates put potential crop losses to farmers at roughly R1million per day if the birds are not controlled.
Quelea colonies migrate from Botswana to South Africa in Spring, retuning in numbers in Winter having breed. after breeding.
Cooperation between government and commercial agriculture, and between organs of government across provincial boundaries was forged emerged following a devastating infestation a few years ago. Today, there is regular contact between the farming sector and organs of government and communication channels established via WhatsApp. By identifying and then disrupting roosting spots, breeding can be disrupted thereby reducing potential numbers and making it easier to control the pest.
Key to the success of these operations is cooperation between the farming sector and organs of government across provincial boundaries.
As the Democratic Alliance we welcome and commend this cooperation.