FAO issues Locust alert to India

On July 5, 2020, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of United Nations issued locust alert for India. According to the organization, India should remain on “high alert” for the next four weeks.

Highlights

India is currently under the worst locust attack in 26 years. Rajasthan is the most affected state due to locust attack. The other states affected include Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Chhattisgarh and Bihar.

According to FAO, the locusts will return to Rajasthan as monsoon advances.

Role of FAO in Locust Alerts

The FAO of the United Nations provides information about locust situation to all the interested countries. The organization operates a centralized locust information services. The locust affected countries provide data to the FAO who in turn analyses and provides forecasts up to 6 weeks.

India’s measures to control locust

The Government of India has deployed 5 companies in production of drones to control locusts by spraying pesticides. So far 1 lakh hectares of crop area have been brought under locust control operations.

The GoI is also implementing locust control protocols through Locust Circle Offices.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2020