Locust Swarms Likely To Invade Odisha In July, Says FAO

New Delhi: Considering the present movement of locusts in India, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has said the swarms are likely to reach Bihar and Odisha in July.

The immature adult groups of locust swarms that arrived in Rajasthan from the west continued to move towards eastern parts of the state and then to Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Their movement was facilitated by strong westerly wind, the FAO said.

The FAO also warned that several waves of invasion by the swarms of locusts can be expected until July in Rajasthan with eastward surges across northern India and then Bihar and Odisha. It will be followed by westward movements and return to Rajasthan due to the changing wind associated with the monsoon. The movements will stop as swarms will begin to breed and become less mobile.

According to reports, the crop-devouring pests have entered India through Pakistan. Besides Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, swarms have entered Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi district and Maharashtra’s Ramtek city.

Recent rains have created ideal conditions for the pest’s reproduction in several countries. Young juveniles will become voracious adults in June.

Also Read: Advisory To Odisha Farmers On Steps To Drive Away Locust Swarms From Farms