Locust invasion: 4000ha of land to be treated

4000ha of land is now being infested with a population of locusts called “Locusta migratoria capito”.  According to the technical department inside the Ministry of Agriculture, these 4000ha must be treated (submit disinfection operations) towards the end of July in order to avoid a new locust outbreak. Technicians stated that this population of locusts is composed of larvae, which are located in Sariaky, Soatanimbary (in the Ihosy District), Amboangy, Ambovombe, and swarms that have found refuge in Ranopiso – Ifarantsa, Jangany, Sakalama, Ilakaka and around Betroka.

This means that new infestation zones have been detected, including mainly the Belomotra plateau where nomadic locusts are raging. This area is expected to be disinfected within a week. In addition, nine swarms have been detected passing through the region of Ambovombe, the majority of which are, according to the analysis, heading towards the Ranopiso-Tolagnaro axis since the beginning of the month until July, 17. Nevertheless, 2519ha of infestations have already been treated from July, 1 to 20. But globally, 3635ha of land were disinfected during that operation, with 1910ha carried out by air.