The farming community and the public are informed that there has been an outbreak of Quelea birds in some parts of the country; Pandamatenga farms in Chobe, Sedibeng and Malore farms in the Southern District, and some villages of Tswapong in the Central District.  

Nine colonies have been identified in the Pandametanga farms of which six have been controlled and the remaining three are expected to be controlled in three days time.

For Sedibeng, Malore farms and some villages in Tswapong only small incidents have been reported. However, teams are already on site to control the colonies.

Quelea birds damage crops such as maize, sorghum and millet while at milky stage or soft dough (before ripening).  In the Pandamatenga farms, sorghum has been planted in over 11 800 hectares of which over 76 percent is susceptible to attack by Quelea birds.

The estimated expected sorghum yield from the farms is over 29 000 tonnes. While for millet, the estimated yield from the 608 hectares planted in the area stand at 912 tonnes.  

Quelea birds are prolific pest birds that can consume every grain crop in their path.

Members of the public are therefore requested to report to the nearest Agricultural office any Quelea birds.