In the coming days, there is a fear of locust heart attack from India, Iran, Africa and Oman. This statement was made by the Federal Minister for Food Security and Research, Syed Fakhar Imam while talking to the media on Friday.
The Federal Minister further said that the efforts of the institutions for eradication of locusts are commendable. An operation is underway to eradicate locusts in the affected areas.
Syed Fakhar Imam said that ministry is in touch with international organizations for eradication of locusts. Locusts are increasing their ability to destroy locusts. The Federal Minister said that 5 helicopters of Pakistan Army are being used. An anti-locust survey is essential.
Syed Fakhar Imam said that special types of aircraft are used for anti-locusts and special training is also given to the pilots. Due to the NLCC, a joint effort is being made to control the locusts.
In Pakistan, locusts are entering DI Khan and Waziristan from Afghanistan through a new corridor.
Syed Fakhar Imam said that NDMA has ordered 11 aircraft, micron sprayers are also being used. 20 micron spares provided by UK and FAO.
The meeting was chaired by Federal Minister Syed Fakhar Imam and Engineer-in-Chief Lieutenant General Moazzam Ijaz. Dr Mubarak from FAO presented the latest situation of locusts breeding.
Dr. Mubarak said that locusts have started growing in Africa, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. In addition, due to rains in July, locusts may also grow in Thar Parker. And there is an urgent need to control the hopper band in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Federal Minister Syed Fakhar Imam also asked SUPARCO to help eradicate locusts. Dr. Wasim, Food Security Commissioner informed the audience that a survey has been carried out on an area of 358661 sq km and a control operation has been carried out on an area of 8,936 sq km so far.
Praising this, the Federal Minister said that a survey has been conducted on almost half of the country in the last six months, but the survey should be made more effective.
The Foreign Secretary said his ministry is in touch with the FAO and African countries to eliminate the locusts. All the provinces briefed on the latest situation regarding locusts. Engineer-in-Chief Lt. Gen. Moazzam Ijaz assured all the provinces that NLCC, NDMA and Pakistan Army would help in eradicating locusts at all levels.