Locust swarm invasion has been expected in Punjab, Haryana. Govt issues warning and braces to prevent damages after swarm spread to other north indian states over the past few weeks.
The Locust Warning Organisation (LWO) issued an alert on Tuesday evening and said that one swarm from Rajasthan has moved.
What are Locusts?
Collection of species of grasshoppers. While the specefic desert locust is most dangerous of the locusts pests because of the ability of swarms to fly rapidly great distances.
The Locust swarms move around and raidly strip fields, damaging the crops. Since prehistory they have caused plagues many times.
According to an estimate, a small swarm of locusts can eat food that is enough for as many as 2,500 people in a single day.
How far and how fast can Desert Locusts migrate?
Desert Locusts usually fly with the wind at a speed of about 16-19 km/h depending on the wind. Swarms can travel about 5-130 km or more in a day. Locusts can stay in the air for long periods of time.
Locust swarm invasion expected in Punjab, Haryana
The seven districts where the locust invasion is expected are Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Bhiwani Charkhi Dadri, Mahendragarh and Rewari.
The deputy commissioners of these districts have been designated as the nodal officers for locust swarm invasion management. Agriculture officers have been asked to share information with the state government and they will also update the deputy commissioner besides other officers about the availability of the stock of insecticides and pesticides.
Haryana has issued direction to control locust invasion after meeting with Director of Agrculture of Punjab, Rajashtan.
Read More News about locust invasion.