Not scared, say Mohali farmers

By: Piyush Sarna
MOHALI: Amid the pandemic, the state is on high alert as locust swarms have been reaching Punjab-Rajasthan border. However, Mohali farmers are not scared. They cite history to point out that locusts have never entered the district.
Mullanpur-resident Ravinder, who owns around 10 acre of land there, said, “I have sown corn in four acres. Rest of the land is being prepared for paddy. Family elders tell me that locust swarms have never been seen in this area. No one is taking any precaution in Mohali.”
Another farmer, Gurpreet of Manakmajra area of Mohali, said, “We have to sow jeeri in our two acre land. No official or notification has reached us to discuss any precautions to be taken. Leave aside fear, farmers here are not even concerned about locusts.”
Most of the farmers were, however, well aware of the damage the pests can cause.
Chatt-based farmer Fateh said, “If there is high alert, I believe that the government should play a crucial role in this and take steps.”