(MENAFN- Tribal News Network) WANA: A large area in South Waziristan tribal district has come under locusts attacks due to which the farmers have expressed grave concerns.
Local sources said locusts have attacked thousands of hectors land in South Waziristan. Locusts are attacking all fields, but the orchards of apple, plum and apricot are receiving more damage than other fields and orchards.
Locusts have attacked 63 districts of Pakistan, including several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the government says it is fully aware of the situation and taking steps to overcome the situation. The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has already warned that Pakistan may face further difficult situation regarding locusts from June 20 to July 20. The fields of tomato, lady finger and maize are particularly more vulnerable to locusts attack. The government has also declared emergency due to the evolving situation.
Local residents of South Waziristan said locusts damage crops in such a manner that recovery becomes impossible. They have demanded the government to take steps for controlling locusts immediately before the situation goes out of control. They said if the situation is not overcome, the standing crops and fruit orchards in the area will be completely destroyed.
The provincial government has dedicated vehicles for locusts control in different districts and a single vehicle has been allocated in South Waziristan that has also been allegedly misused by the local officials. The area people said locusts have already damaged standing crops in South Waziristan and further damage is also happening.
Locusts are also playing havoc with the standing crops in Lakki Marwat and now even a large number of locusts have attacked the district with more intensity as compared to the last attack.
Most of the locusts which have attacked the fields this time are smaller in size. Millions of locusts have entered Gulbaz, Dehqan, Tajazai and other areas of the district last week. The locusts are particularly damaging the vegetables, standing crops and orchards.
During the last attack of locusts in Lakki Marwat, they had laid eggs which have produced more locusts even in larger number. These locusts are posing serious danger to standing crops and orchards. The local farmers have demanded the government to take emergency steps to save their crops.
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