India is experiencing the most devastating locust invasion in 30 years, Kazinform reports with reference to Deutsche Welle. Pests have already destroyed over 50 hectares of arable land. The coronavirus pandemic, the effects of the cyclone Amphan and the invasion of locusts exacerbate the food supply situation of the country's inhabitants.
On Tuesday, Indian authorities launched drones and propeller-driven aircraft to track locusts and spray them with insecticides. The current locust infestation is the most powerful in the last 30 years. Given that pests have already destroyed about 50 hectares of arable land, India is experiencing the worst food shortages since 000.
Eight to ten swarms, each measuring about 1 square kilometer, are active in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. It is worth noting that locusts have already infiltrated other states in India, including Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
On Monday, locusts flooded the city of Jaipur in Rajasthan. According to experts, the locust arrived from Pakistan. They argue that if the speed and direction of the wind are favorable, the locusts can advance towards the capital of the country. According to the World Food Organization, a locust invasion is commonly observed in western India and parts of Gujarat from June to November.
However, according to a statement by the Locust Invasion Prevention Organization under the Ministry of Agriculture, locust swarms appeared in India back in April this year. GPs estimate that 40 million locusts can eat as much food as 35 people. The current number of locusts has destroyed seasonal crops in the states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, which will lead to lower production and higher food prices.
The agrarian crisis and subsequent food inflation will hamper India’s struggle against the coronavirus pandemic. Experts argue that heavy rains and cyclones in the Indian Ocean caused an increase in the rate and volume of locust breeding this year. The World Food Organization warns that locust invasion may increase next month when locust breeding in East Africa migrate to India.
India is not the only country to be affected by the locust invasion this year. Pakistan, East African countries, and Yemen also faced pest attacks. In February, Pakistan declared a state of emergency in the country due to a locust invasion in the eastern part of the country. Crops of cotton, wheat, corn and other crops were everywhere destroyed by pests.