Rats destroy Nigerian rice crops

Farmers in north-west Nigeria fear for their future after rats invaded their farms and destroyed rice crops.

Damage to the farms in Kebbi State could lead to a severe shortage of locally grown rice. The area is one of the biggest rice producers in the country. 

The invasion is one of the worst since the boom in rice farming in the state, and farmers are calling for quick intervention from government. 

In addition to the rodents, the farmers are also faced with the problem of birds which feed on the rice seeds before they mature.
 
Deputy Governor of the state, Samaila Yombe Dabai, says he has visited some of the affected areas and explained that government would take the necessary measures to dislodge the rodents. 
 
SOURCE: BBC NEWS
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