Minister Thoko Didiza has urged farmers to inspect for locusts on their properties and to report their presence without delay, as unreported swarms are slowing down the fight against the insect now swooping across several provinces
Unreported locust swarms are slowing down the fight against the brown locust swooping across the country right now. Agriculture, land reform and rural development minister Thoko Didiza has urged farmers to inspect for locust on their properties and to report its presence without delay.
The minister has extended the plea to the general public as some swarms go unreported on unoccupied farms, game farms and in environmental parks, and are proving to be a challenge in the fight against a countrywide outbreak.
The country has seen increasing numbers of locusts since September 2021 after some August rain in the Karoo region of the Eastern, Western and Northern Cape.
The department has since appointed and trained locust control contractors in all affected areas. Contractors were provided with insecticide, spraying pumps and protective clothing but Didiza says they are being challenged.
Source: foodformzansi.co.za
Photo source: Dreamstime.com