Locust invasion warning in Odisha, eastern Uttar Pradesh

BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha and the Uttar Pradesh governments on Wednesday advised farmers to take preventive measures to save crops from the attack of locusts after the swarms spread to several states.

The Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) has issued guidelines to farmers in this regard, informed Agriculture Minister Arun Sahoo.

Farmers residing in bordering areas of the state have been asked to remain alert and take immediate preventive steps.

"In the event of locusts being sighted in our bordering states, we advise the farmers spraying 5 per cent Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE) 200 litres per acre of crops and vegetation after sunset as a precautionary measure," said Sahoo.

He said farmers can also spray their crops with 300 ppm neem-based pesticide available in the market by mixing one litre of it in 200 litres per acre.

Notably, the locusts have destroyed crops in several states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has now asked all District Magistrates to remain prepared for the movement of the swarm of locusts in their areas.

Principal Secretary, Agriculture Devesh Chaturvedi, in his letter, has said that all District Magistrates, particularly those in eastern Uttar Pradesh, should remain on high alert for the movement of locusts. (IANS)