ADDIS ABABA – Ministry of Agriculture yesterday announced the major locust infestation that has swarmed some parts of the country is now under control.
In a media conference held on Thursday, the Ministry stated that the country has been able to control the large swarms of desert locusts that were spreading without the need of other countries’ help, and avoid a potential catastrophe.
Girmame Girma, Director General of Agriculture Extension with the Ministry, said that in addition to traditional methods, four air jets and a car has been used in both aerial and ground operations to stop the spread of the locust swarm. So far, about 40 percent of crops have been harvested in the country, he added, using labor power (for the most part) and harvester machine.
While the swarm of desert locust invaded 61 woredas in six States (Afar, Tigray, Amhara, Oromia Somalia and SNNP), the Director General added that about 95 percent of the locust infestation areas has now been successful put under control.
“We are facing two horrible phenomenon in front of us: the invasion of desert locust and irregular rain fall in the various part of the country.” On the other hand, Woldehawariat Tesfa, Plant Health Protection Director General, said that preventive works such as mobilizing the farmers and providing the necessary inputs were done before the invasion took place as per the meteorological forecast information that was disclosed a month ago.
Despite the swarm’s continued presence, it has not significantly damaged the vegetation, he said. The command post is preparing to mobilize the people to control and prevent the locust expansion into the country’s vegetation.
The desert locust arrived in Ethiopia in June from Yemen and Somaliland, and as of now 0.3 hectares of land is covered by the locust, according to the Ministry. 26 experts are coordinating as of now to the to control and prevent the locust infestation, he concluded.
The Ethiopian Herald, November 22/2019
MISGANAW ASNAKE
