

AFP (May 27, 2020).- Huge swarms of desert locusts are destroying crops across western and central India, prompting authorities Tuesday to step up their response to the country’s worst plague in nearly three decades.
Drones, tractors and cars have been sent out to track the voracious pests and spray them with pesticides. The locusts have already destroyed nearly 50,000 hectares (125,000 acres) of cropland.
“Eight to 10 swarms, each measuring around a square kilometre are active in parts of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh,” the government’s Locust Warning Organisation’s deputy director K.L. Gurjar told AFP.
The insects caused massive damage to seasonal crops in both states, devastating many farmers already struggling with the impact of a strict coronavirus lockdown.

They destroyed harvests in the agricultural heartlands of neighbouring Pakistan in April, before entering Rajasthan.
Smaller swarms are also active in a handful of states across India, Gurjar said.
A swarm of 40 million locusts can eat as much food as 35,000 people — or six elephants — according to UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation.
Residential areas in the state capital Jaipur were overwhelmed by the insects as bewildered locals banged on pots and pans to try and ward off the insects.
Experts warn the situation could worsen with more expected to reach India via Pakistan from the Horn of Africa in June.
Heavy rains and cyclones enabled unprecedented breeding and the rapid growth of locust populations on the Arabian peninsula early last year, according to the United Nations.
India has not seen locust swarms on this scale since 1993 when it experienced a widespread plague, the warning centre said.
Locusts destroy crops in some parts of Rajasthan close to the border with Pakistan most years, but it is rare for the insects to move further into the state.
Wind patterns have been pushing the swarms southwest, the locust warning centre said.
Comments
more recommended stories
How to prepare an authentic Cuban Mojito
Mérida, Yucatán (April 20, 2021).- The.
Retire in Mexico and enjoy the best of two worlds
Results from the 16th annual Demographia.
Mexico suffers drop in proven oil and gas reserves
Mexico has 8.8 years of proven.
Restrictions for non-essential crossings on the land border between Mexico and the US continue until May 21
The restrictions for non-essential crossings on.
Vatican Secretary of State to ordain Monsignor Fermín Sosa in Izamal
Izamal, Yucatán (April 20, 2021).- The.
Pandemic does not affect housing demand in the Riviera Maya: AMPI
Quintana Roo (April 20, 2021).- “Despite.
What is the future of Cuba without a Castro on the presidential chair?
TJP.- Cuba marked the end of.
Merida restaurant bets on the gastronomic use of cannabis
Mèrida, Yucatàn (April 20, 2021).- Yucatán.
The identity of the woman found dead in Mérida park is still unknown
Mèrida, Yucatàn (April 20, 2021).- According.
Covid hits Children
The new variants of COVID-19 are.
Leave a Comment