Locust attacks endanger standing crops

Farmers of Sahiwal, Chichawatni face major financial losses

CHICHAWATNI: Locust attacks on standing crops in several villages of Sahiwal and Chichawatni districts have put them at the risk of severe damage. Local farmers fear that the locust attacks would damage ready crops extensively in villages 108-11L, 107-11L and 12-11L.

The farmers and agriculture department are making efforts to stop the locust attacks. Agriculture Department Assistant Director Azhar Farooq Bhutta said intense locust attacks had taken place in three villages of Chichawatni. He said the farmers and staff were trying to drive away the locusts by igniting fireworks and beating drums.

On the other hand, farmers in Harappa and other villages of Sahiwal district are also fearful of suffering heavy losses because of locust attacks on their crops. The locusts are eating away grass, crops, vegetables and fruit trees in these areas.

Agriculture department officials say they are making efforts at the local level to reduce the locust attacks. However, the farmers don’t appear to be satisfied by the department’s efforts as they face major losses if their standing crops are destroyed after months of hard work.

While the farmers are troubled over the situation, many youngsters in the villagers have started catching locusts and cooking them for eating.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 3^rd, 2020.