We are thankful to Pak Army for assisting our teams for locust control operations. This was stated by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research(NFSR),Syed Fakhar Imam while chairing the meeting of National Locusts Controle Centre(NLCC) on Friday. Lieutenant General Moazzam Ejaz, Coordinator NLCC also co chaired the meeting. Till now 54,460,000 Hectares(HA) have been surveyed and 11248000HA have been treated. It was mentioned that from 10th of August, locust is limited only 2 districts of the country, Lasbella and Tharparkar.
Keith Cressman, Senior Locust Forecasting Officer, FAO briefed about locust forecast. As per the forecast,In southwest Asia, extensive hatching and hopper band formation occurred in India and, on a smaller scale, in southeast Pakistan. Intensive control operations have significantly reduced infestations in both countries. Consequently, the second generation of breeding that commences in September is expected to be on a much smaller and more manageable scale. He was of the point of view that locust threat is declining.
Pakistan Meteorological Department(PMD) mentioned that Monsoon currents from Bay of Bengal are reaching northeastern parts of the country. A westerly wave is present over Northwestern parts of the country.
DG Department of Plant Protection (DPP),Dr Falak Naz mentioned that DPP anslyzed area of Tharparkar and found locust eggs, which was controlled. He asked to be more focused on Lasbella as locust activity is increasing gradually there. Balochistan mentioned that the province has surveyed 406236 Ha and has treated 2050 Ha.
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