By a correspondent

Kenya has launched an aerial application of bird repellents to control the quelea bird menace devastating wheat and barley farms.

This innovative solution seeks to protect crops, safeguard farmers’ livelihoods, and enhance food security amid significant losses caused by the infestation.

Speaking at the launch, in,

Dr. Paul Ronoh, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Agriculture, described the intervention as a timely and efficient response to the crisis.

“The use of drones for targeted application of repellents marks a shift towards modern agricultural practices in pest control,” Dr. Ronoh said during the launch in Mau Narok, Narok County, southern Kenya.

He noted that the technology not only salvages the current season’s harvest but also restores confidence among farmers to continue planting,” he explains.

He said the government plans to extend the programme to other regions experiencing similar challenges.

Dr. Ronoh emphasised that the intervention is part of a broader strategy to address agricultural threats proactively.

Enditem