New Delhi: Fresh swarms of locust have entered Rajasthan from Pakistan but the government has also increased measures to counter the threat using various methods including drones.
“We are able to kill only 50% of the swarms despite deploying all the resources,” said K L Gurjar, deputy director of Locust Warning Organisation. “Since locust are now as pink immature adults, which is the most active stage, they could fly swiftly, escaping the pesticide spray. The next 15 days would be crucial before they become fully grown adult, which eat less and are more static.”
He said Rajasthan has been put on high alert and there was a risk of swarms entering Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Gujarat. “We have asked Pakistan to kill locusts on their side of the border. But nothing much is happening on the ground,” he said.
Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said drones were effective. “Drone operations have given brilliant results. It’s a Make in India initiative benefiting our farmers. FAO has appreciated India for first time usage of drones for locust control,” Kant tweeted.
The use of drones has helped in controlling locust over inaccessible areas and tree tops. So far, 13 drones have been deployed to kill locusts.
Source: indiatimes.com