DUSHANBE, July 8, 2014, Asia-Plus – To-date, locust infestations have reportedly hit nearly 75,000 hectares of farmland in Tajikistan.

According to the State Unitary Enterprise “Locust Control,” they have treated some 70,000 hectares of locust-affected areas with insecticides by July 8.

In Khatlon province, locusts have reportedly hit agricultural lands in Jilikul, Qumsangir, Khuroson, Vakhsh, Danghara, Farkhor, Rumi, Bokhtar, Qubodiyon and Shahritous districts.

In Sughd province, locusts have hit agricultural lands in Zafarobod, Mastchoh, Bobojonghafourov, Istaravshan and Ghonchi districts.

In the central Tajikistan (districts subordinate to the center), locusts have reportedly hit agricultural lands in Roudaki, Varzob and Tursunzoda districts.

Relevant international organizations are providing assistance to Locust Control. 

An Emergency Coordination Unit (ECU) was established by FAO in Tajikistan in 1996, initially to work on emergency locust control projects.  Since then, the emergency program has expanded steadily and has set-up veterinary field units, improved agricultural infrastructure and strengthened domestic seed production.