India Reels Under Massive Locust Attack | Why We Should Worry

Several states in the north and western India including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra are reeling under a massive attack by large swarms of locusts, seen as the worst in 27 years. Locusts cause untold damage to crops and feed on food grown for humans and are known to cause famine and starvation.

Where Do Locusts Come From?

Desert locusts originate in East Africa and Sudan. They are capable of travelling long distances clearing crops, leaves, bark and seeds on the way. These swarms move across Saudi Arabia and Iran to Pakistan and India. Usually, the bigger swarm breaks up into several smaller swarms, which in turn move to different parts of the country.

How Far Do Locust Swarms Travel In A Day?

Locusts are known to travel up to about 150 km in a day in large swarms causing severe damage to crops. They feed on leaves, fruits, flowers, seeds, bark and cause extensive agricultural damage by descending on crops in large numbers.

Why We Should Worry

Earlier locust attacks were not considered major ones by the government. Since 1993, most of the damage done by locust swarms in India is said to have been confined to Rajasthan. This time around, however, locust swarms have travelled from Rajasthan to Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and parts of Maharashtra.

The more extensive area covered by locust swarms this year would naturally mean more agricultural damage. Farmers are already reeling under the economic impact of COVID-19. The massive locust attack has only worsened their condition.

Locusts consume food which farmers grow for humans and in India, there is the imminent danger of hundreds of thousands of tonnes of food grains, fruits and vegetables being lost to locust invasion. This will naturally add to the economic crisis that the country has been plunged into following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

FAO Forecast

The United Nations' body, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has warned India that an imminent locust infestation may make things worse for the country. This desert locust invasion is expected to move from Africa to Pakistan and India next month. FAO is reported as saying that the world now faces one of the worst desert locust situations that it has experienced in a number of decades.