SUKKUR: Massive swarms of locusts assailed trees and fields of various crops stripping them of leaves and green barks and also landed on roads and houses in Ghotki and Shikarpur districts on Sunday.

The insects which appeared to number in millions invaded fields in several areas of Khanpur Mahar in Ghotki district including the villages of Ali Ahmed Sial, Chak Sial, Naurang Mahar, Makhai, Abdullah Sial, Tooh Mahar, Bamblay, Loond Bazaar, Lohi, Shahpur Mahar and others.

Growers were seen frenetically trying to fly away the swarms which were eating away crops of cotton, sugar cane, vegetables and corn and green leaves and barks of trees and plants.

Fearing huge losses from the fresh attack the farmers turned to traditional methods to get rid of locusts after failing to get any succor from federal and provincial departments.

Villagers in the affected areas complained that the administration had so far not taken any steps for the elimination of the deadly insect. Their problems had multiplied because of coronavirus pandemic and the locust attack, which had left their fields mown down and stripped trees and plants of all leaves, they said.

They demanded the authorities concerned immediately move into action to carry out aerial spray for elimination of the locusts and save them from more losses.

SHIKARPUR: Huge swarms of locusts once again attacked several parts of the district, devouring newly sown paddy, vegetables, trees in orchards and other crops in and around the towns of Shikarpur, Madeji, Khanpur, Lakhi, Zarkhail, Mian Sahib, Sultankot and Garhi Yasin.

People said the locusts were seen flying over the city and when a swarm rose in the sky it completely blocked rays of sun to reach the land.

Panicked farmers found themselves helpless against millions of insects and many silently watched them eating away their crops and green pastures while others adopted traditional methods to try to scare away the enemy by beating drums and making noise.

They complained that agriculture department and officials of district administration had left them in the lurch and extended them no help to fight with the deadly insects.

They demanded the agriculture department carry out aerial spray to kill off locusts and help minimise their losses since they were already passing through a financial crunch due to the consequences of measures against coronavirus pandemic.

Published in Dawn, June 29th, 2020