Locusts Attack: Next 8 weeks to be critical
Last updated on: 06 February,2020 11:53 pm
Army has already launched a program to train 300 soldiers to eradicate locusts
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Federal government’s Food Security Commisioner said that locusts cover an area of 16 million square kilometers. 15% locusts are in Punjab and 35% in Sindh.
According to details, officials of Ministry for Food Security briefed sub-committee of National Assembly’s Special Committee on Agricultural Products.
Federal government’s Food Security Commisioner Dr. Waseem said that framers are being trained to eliminate locusts. He added that 0.3 million hectares have been treated out of 0.91 million hectares surveyed. Locust swarms are now headed towards Balochistan.
He added that 16 stakeholders including Pak Army are onboard. Army has already launched program to train 300 soldiers to eradicate locusts.
Dr Waseem informed the participants of the meeting that his department has requested 10-12 planes from the Prime Minister to keep locusts in the desert.
He further added that next eight weeks are crucial for the locusts attack. Locusts are born in India and Pakistan and constantly keep on moving. PCSIR have neither staff nor medicines to eradicate locusts. He said that Indian authorities are no longer in contact due to India-Pak tensions.
Dr Waseem said Rs300 million were sought from the government for the elimination of locusts but only Rs140 million have been received.
During the meeting, Syed Fakhar Imam said that Pakistan imports 80% of the edible oil and pulses despite being an agricultural country. On the other hand, Pakistan’s neighbors provide support prices for 27 crops.