Beat drums, light fire to keep insects at bay, says Punjab Agri Dept

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, January 28

Deputy Commissioner B Srinivasan, along with Agriculture Department officials, today visited various villages in the district and inspected farm fields amid fears of locust attack.

The DC assured the farmers that the district administration was fully geared up to tackle the locust attack. He said for the benefit of farmers, a toll-free helpline (9768700006) had been set up.

Officials said if locusts were spotted in fields, farmers should beat empty drums and light fire. A few days ago, locust attack was reported from a few villages of Sangat and Talwandi Sabo blocks.

The officials visited Pakka, Sekho, Machana, Pathrela and others villages and told the farmers that the agricultural department officials had been directed to make arrangements deal with the situation arising out of the possible locust attack.

The DC said eight teams had been formed to create awareness among villagers. He said these teams would visit villages and make announcements in gurdwaras to educate farmers on the matter.