Locusts strike in Barmer and Jalore; big attack in July likely

JAISALMER: Locusts on Saturday attacked Barmer city, many other parts of the district and Jalore district. Farmers and cattle rearers in Jaisalmer and Barmer have been adversely hit due to the locust attacks and the locust warning organization has warned of a bigger attack by the pests in July.
According to the locust warning organization officers, the first consignment of 30 sprayer machines of the 60 machines ordered from micron company in Britain, is expected to reach India on June 15. The locust control department has also tied up with the Indian Air Force for spraying pesticides by helicopters in case of a big locust attack.
In last four to five days, huge swarms of locusts have entered India from Pakistan. Only 8-10 vehicles of agriculture and locust control departments are being used to destroy locusts, which are proving to be insufficient. There has been information of locust attacks in Barmer city and in Chauhatan, Gadra, Balotara and other areas of the district.
On Friday late evening, locusts had attacked Sanawada, Sadulanion ka Tala, Moodon ka Tala, and other villages, increasing farmers’ worries. Farmers had sown seeds due to the good rains for last 3-4 days and locusts ate the saplings. The locusts have now spread to 23 districts in Rajasthan and around 43 districts in five states of Gujarat, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, UP and Rajasthan.