LAHORE: The swarms of locusts have reached central parts of Punjab from its southern areas while authorities are betting on experts’ opinion that these insects are here for only a short stay and will fly to new pastures soon.

First reported in Rahim Yar Khan district bordering Sindh two months ago in south of the the province, locusts swarms can now be seen devouring crops and other vegetation in Sahiwal, Okara and Pakpattan districts since Saturday.

Despite Punjab plant protection authorities claims of large-scale spray of insecticides and other measures taken to “successfully repulse” the attack, the swarms have reached central Punjab districts. It is being feared the menace could spread further to the wheat-growing areas of the province and damage the standing crops there.

A report from Sahiwal says that swarms of migrant locusts have been spotted in different villages of Chichawatni tehsil. The affected villages of include 153/9L, 154/9L, 155/9L, Aukanwala and adjoining areas. The Sahiwal agriculture department has started an awareness campaign to educate farmers on how to control the harmful insects.

Commissioner Ahsan Waheed is reported to have directed the agriculture extension officials to remain in the field with the growers and form surveillance teams for insect scouting.

Punjab Agriculture Minister Malik Nauman Langrial says all provincial departments have been directed to cooperate with the plant protection department for repulsing locusts attack.

Claiming that so far no loss of crops has been reported from the region being swarmed by locusts, the commissioner quoted experts as saying that the insects stayed for a short time in an area during their migration. He hoped that given the pattern of the swarms movement, crops in the area would remain safe from their attack.

He said the locusts had affected around 50 countries across the world and that the latest attack was being observed after 30 years.

Chief Minister Usman Buzdar was personally monitoring the situation so that all resources could be mobilised if needed for repulsing the attack.

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2020