Nation battling against new locusts invasion in Oromia, SNNP states

Addis Ababa, January 16, 2020 (FBC) –Swarms of desert locusts are crossing into Ethiopia from Somalia, said the Ministry of Agriculture.

This is in addition to the swarms migrating from the neighbouring areas since last June, according to the Ministry.

The additional locust that crossed into the country from Somalia hit Bale, Guji and Borena zones in Oromia and different areas in SNNP regional states.

In an exclusive interview with FBC, Zebdios Silato, Plant Conservation Director at the Ministry, said efforts are underway to tackle the spread of the pest.

Aerial spraying has been started in areas that are favourable for locust breeding by using four aircrafts.

He said aircrafts and experts were also deployed to Gode and Dire Dawa areas to prevent the swarm crossing into the areas.

The director further indicated that integrated efforts will be carried out to combat the spread of the pest to other areas.

He also called on the community to fight the locusts through mechanical means of killing and using manual spryer machines.