Locust scare in areas bordering Rajasthan

Archit Watts
Tribune News Service
Muktsar, January 24

After the locust attack in neighbouring state of Rajasthan, the insects were spotted in more than 10 villages of the district on Friday creating panic among farmers.

The Agriculture Department, however, claimed the situation was under control. Don’t worry, but remain on alert, it told farmers.

Locusts were spotted in Raniwala, Midda, Aspal, Virk Khera, Bhangchari, Karam Patti, Bhagsar and some other villages. As soon as farmers spotted locusts in the fields, they informed the department, which sent teams to villages.

Harpreet Singh, a farmer from Bhagsar village, said: “I was working in the fields in the morning when I saw a few locusts. Suddenly, I sighted more insects and informed other farmers.”

Bagicha Singh, a former sarpanch of Midda village, said about 40 to 50 locusts were found in some fields on Friday.

Chief Agriculture Officer Baljinder Singh Brar said, “No doubt, a few locusts were spotted but there wasn’t a locust attack. The insects are dying as Rajasthan farmers have sprayed pesticides on them. The department is keeping tabs on the situation. There is nothing to worry about. If the situation demands, the department will spray pesticides in the fields.”

Locusts are part of the grasshopper family. They are highly mobile insects that can even migrate across countries and damage crops. There are reports of damage to crops spread over 3.5 lakh hectares in Rajasthan and Gujarat.