Harare — National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority yesterday said it was ready to deal with any possible invasion on winter wheat by quelea birds and avert potential grain loses.

In an interview yesterday, Parks public relations manager Retired Major Edward Mbewe said the organisation had deployed standby

teams in all wheat farming areas to monitor

the situation on the ground.

Extensive surveys, said Rtd Major Mbewe, began late last year with the deployed teams assessing the situation, noting possible quelea threats.

"We started our preparations for the winter crop as early as December last year to assess the situation on the ground.

"As I speak, we are prepared to deal with any invasion" he said.

Rtd Major Mbewe said the organisation had procured enough chemicals and the available stocks were adequate in case of any quelea birds invasion.

He said the organisation was working closely with the Department of Agricultural Technical Extension Services (Agritex) on the supply of herbicides.

Rtd Major Mbewe said the Parks had also repaired and serviced equipment used in the control of quelea birds and was ready to respond to any calls.

"We have managed to repair and service all machines which we use in spraying.

"This will make spraying efficient and effective in the control of quelea birds," said Rtd Major Mbewe.

National Parks and Wildlife Management, Rtd Major Mbewe said, had bought a fleet of vehicles, a move that is expected to improve efficiency and viability.

"We bought more than 40 cars this year as part of efforts to easy transport problems during spraying.

"The vehicles will be used to enhance viability during spraying," said Rtd Major Mbewe.