Zambia: Massive project launched to control red locusts

ANKARA (AA) - A new phase in a massive operation to control African Migratory Locust, also known as red locusts in Zambia, is planned to begin Friday, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

The FAO “is working closely with the Government of Zambia and other partners to protect crops, pastures and livelihoods from the pest, under the US$500 000 Southern Africa Emergency Locust Response and Preparedness Project,” it said in a statement.

Working with the Ministry of Agriculture, FAO plans to provide technical and financial assistance to support ground surveys using GPS systems, form rapid response teams to monitor and spray and facilitate awareness materials for communities.

The FAO said locust invasion “has become very serious in Sesheke and Mwandi in Western Province.”

Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo assured farmers that the government is taking necessary measures to guarantee the outbreak is controlled, the Zambia Reports website said Friday.

Katambo said President Edgar Lungu is concerned about the situation which poses a serious threat to households as well as national food security, and he instructed more support be provided to foil locust attacks, according to the website.