Spraying significantly reduces locust attacks in Noorpur Thal

Around 90% of pests present in area eradicated

NOORPUR THAL: Locust attacks have been reduced by about 90% through pesticide sprays conducted to stop their spread over hundreds of acres in Noorpur tehsil.

The spraying was conducted under the supervision of Noorpur Thal Assistant Commissioner Mohammad Saif, who selected a team of Agriculture Department on an emergency basis. The team was assigned the task of eradication of locusts that were reportedly entering the areas of Noorpur Thal, including Jamali and Khai Khurd. The teams worked day and night to conduct spraying in the areas.

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As a result of the teams’ efforts, around 90% of locusts present in the area were eradicated. However, the spraying process was halted due to rains.

The assistant commissioner said that even after the rains lashing the area, the spraying process will resume and the remaining 10% locusts in the region will be eradicated.

Local farmers said the way the tehsil administration has taken timely action to ensure the elimination of locusts is laudable. “We are grateful to the administration as not even one per cent of our crops were harmed,” a farmer said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 12^th, 2020.