Worst Locust Attack in Decades

Indian government has begun preparations for what might turn out to be the worst locust attack in decades. Outbreaks of the attack have been reported in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

The responsible pest is a migratory locust known as the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria). Attacks of such pests, also called टिड्डी in Hindi, have also been encountered in the past and successfully handled.

Since 2019 a surge in the attacks by desert locusts has been noticed in Gujarat and Rajasthan. The attacks intensified this year due to climatic changes and inadequate pest management due to the ongoing pandemic.

Experts have warned of major crop losses if the swarms are not stopped by June when the monsoons will lead to a new sowing season for rice, sugarcane, cotton and other crops.

Update by : Santapan Saha