Govt issues advisory to deal with locust attack

In order to deal with possible locust attack, the Delhi Government has issued advisory asking authorities to spray insecticides and pesticides on crops, vegetation, gardens and orchards.

Cabinet Minister Gopal Rai on Thursday said that in view of the increasing threat of locusts in north India, the agriculture department of the Delhi Government will run awareness programmes to make the people and farmers of Delhi aware of this new threat.

“There are many north Indian states which are witnessing a massive locust attack and keeping in mind the situation the Delhi government has issued this advisory. Alerts and directions have been sent to the revenue commissioners, DMs and MCD commissioners regarding the matter,” he said.

The officials have been instructed to work proactively to ensure preparedness to deal with locust attack as not only the agriculture sector but horticulture sector like vegetation, plants, gardens, orchard etc has also been affected by the locust attack, he said.

It may be noted that India is battling the worst desert locust outbreak as swarms of locusts first attacked Rajasthan and have now spread to Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

Rai also tweeted the circular issued by the Delhi government saying that all concerned authorities are advised to take preventive measures to control and eradicate the locusts to avoid devastating effect on standing agricultural and horticultural crops, vegetation, plants, gardens, orchard etc. in Delhi.

“As the swarm usually fly in day time, and rest during night time therefore the locusts should not be allowed to rest especially during night,. It directed that awareness programmes be organised for the public and farmers to prevent and control any such invasion by locusts in Delhi,” it said.

The circular also said that the authorities may carry out spraying of insecticides or pesticides during the night.

Sensing the gravity of the matter, states have stepped in and taken preventive measures suggesting farmers to spray their crops with a solution based on neem seeds extract mixing with water or they can also spray their crops with neem-based pesticides available in the market by mixing with water.

The centre has also stepped in to help states in dealing the menace.