FAO warns of Locust attack in Rajasthan till July

Highlights:

• Locust control operations conducted at 15 locations in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh
• 53,997 hectares covered in six states since 11^th April

New Delhi: As per FAOs locust status Bulletin of 27^th May, in Pakistan and Iran locust adults are forming groups and small swarms in spring breeding areas in Baluchistan, Indus Valley (Pak) and southern coast and parts of Sistan-Baluchistan.

Related News:

• Govt steps up Locust control operations; orders additional sprayers and drones
• Locusts controlled in more than ​​14000 hectares

In India, Spring-bred immature adult groups and swarms continued to move east and to the central states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Much of these movements were associated with strong westerly winds from Cyclone Amphan.

Several successive waves of invasions can be expected until July in Rajasthan with eastward surges across northern India as far as Bihar and Orissa followed by westward movements and a return to Rajasthan on the changing winds associated with the monsoon. These movements will cease as swarms begin to breed and become less mobile. Swarms are less likely to reach south India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.