Sub-district in Akre
Massive rodent infestation threatens wheat crops in Girdesen
AKRE — More than 15 farmers in Akre’s Girdesen sub-district are grappling with severe rodent infestations in their wheat fields.
These pests, having invaded shortly after the wheat was sown, are devouring crops and stunting further growth.
Alo Harki, a farmer from Niawk, voiced his concerns to 964media: “These mice are worse for us than ISIS.” He highlighted that while the appearance of mice is typical during the wheat planting season, this year has marked a significant and unprecedented increase in their size and numbers.
Farmers, who began planting in November of the previous year, have found their daily pesticide applications ineffective. They have sought help from the Akre Directorate of Agriculture.
The problem has spread across several villages, including Niawk, Tilbok, Gorank, Bedrik, Pir Kholin, and Salhiye, leading to estimated losses of over one million dinars for each affected farmer.
Fazil Mustafa, Director of Akre Agriculture, told 964media that a committee is investigating: “A committee has been dispatched to the affected areas to assess the situation.”
He suggested the crisis might stem from the farmers’ lack of proper land preparation: “The primary cause might be negligence in properly preparing the land before planting and the inadequate use of chemicals and pesticides.”
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