LOCUST SITUATION
The country remained
free from any gregarious locust activity during the first fortnight
of this month. However, during surveys, scattered desert locust
adults were reported from 17 localities of Jaisalmer and Barmer
districts of Rajasthan at the densities ranging from 75 to 300
adults per square kilometer. Maximum densities of 300 adults per
square kilometer were reported from Jai Singhsar, Rohidi, Maijlar,
Lunar and Dhanana areas of Barmer and Jaisalmer districts. Besides,
migratory locust adults at the densities ranging from 150 to 1200
were reported from 22 localities of Jaisalmer and Barmer districts.
Maximum densities of 1200 adults per square kilometer were reported
from the Lunar area of Jaisalmer district. Ecological conditions
are not favourable for locust breeding. Immigration of locusts
was reported due to the winds blowing from west to east.
According to
the locust Situation Bulletin, issued by the Directorate of Plant
Protection, Quarantine & Storage of the Ministry of Agriculture,
the number of locusts will decline in the coming months due to
unfavourable ecological conditions in the Scheduled Desert Area.
However, continuous vigilance is being maintained to detect any
locust build up.
