Threat of locust attack looms large over region

Archit Watts

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Tribune News Service

Muktsar, July 30

The threat of locust attack still looms large in the region as smaller groups of pests were recently spotted in Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh districts in Rajasthan, besides locusts were also seen in Sirsa district.

Locusts can fly around 150 km-200 km daily and are very harmful for vegetation. Muktsar, Fazilka, Bathinda and Mansa districts have been on the edge due to locusts.

“Locusts are innumerable and situation is critical in Sriganganagar, Bikaner, Hanumangarh and Churu districts of Rajasthan. Fresh swarm of locusts is not entering from Pakistan, but those present here have attained young age,” says the report of a locust control room.

Muktsar Chief Agriculture Officer Jalour Singh said, “Threat from locusts will be there till August end. However, Muktsar district is safe to date. Locusts were spotted in some parts of Sirsa district in Haryana, which shares its boundary with Muktsar. The flow of air is towards Bathinda and Mansa districts.”

He said, “Locusts were spotted at Mahajan Field Firing Range in Bikaner on July 29, but insecticides were not sprayed due to restrictions. Locuts further divided into smaller groups.”

Agriculture experts said “Once the monsoon retreats, threat from locust attack may end in Punjab.”