Locust attack destroys crops on large scale in Punjab cities, high alert issued

JHANG/BHAKKAR (92 News) – Locusts destroyed crops on a large scale in different cities, including Jhang, Sahiwal, Bhakkar and Bahawalpur, in a couple of days. Swarms of locusts descended on crops of wheat. Farmers are busy in warding off the attack on self-help basis. The Agriculture Department has issued a high alert, asking farmers to beat drums and explode fireworks. In Jhang, the Agriculture Department has formed 50 teams to deal with the attack which is likely to subside within 24 hours. Punjab Health Minister Malik Nuaman Ahmed Langrial said that the locust attack is not the problem of a city or a province. “Fifty-two countries have been affected by the locust attack. Locusts have activated after 30 years. The Plant Protection Department is fully aware about the locust attack,” he said. He said that surveillance teams had been formed to deal with the situation. “Farmers are being informed about precautionary measures to ward off the locusts attack,” he added.