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Sri Lanka faces threat of locust invasion
View(s):Sri Lankan agricultural authorities have been placed on alert for the possible threat from crop-eating Desert Locusts which have started invading South Asian countries, including India, a senior official said.
Agriculture Director General W.M.W. Weerakoon told the Sunday Times that they had alerted the relevant government institutes that there could be possible locust invasion in Sri Lanka.
He said large swarms of locusts had invaded the northern parts of India and had made their way towards Pakistan.
“Even though the locust have not yet spread towards the southern parts of India, with the change of wind patterns the swarms of locusts could make their way towards Sri Lanka,” he warned.
Dr Weerakoon said the Agriculture Ministry, the Department and other stake holders were on high alert and had appointed a task force to come up with an action plan to deal with the threat.
He said the task force comprising entomologists, crop experts and regional agricultural directors of were making farmers aware and advising them to inform the authorities if they found locusts in their fields.
The task force was also advised to identify pesticides and chemicals which are needed to control the the possible locust invasion.
They would also seek assistance from the security forces if the need arose.