KARACHI: In Pakistan, the upsurge of locust has ended and only small residual infestations remained over the coast of Lasbella, Karachi and along the eastern belt of Cholistan and Thar deserts, the Met Office has said. Citing the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations, Locust Watch, it said the threat from the desert to crops is likely to minimise.

It said that impact of weather on locust growth from the seasonal precipitation is expected to remain below normal during October to December 2020, whereas the temperatures are expected to be above the normal in most parts of the country.

Over the lower half of the country, the day temperatures are expected to remain around 30-35 degrees Celsius, which may favour the egg and hopper development.

Precautionary measures could be the widespread and appropriate insecticides spray using aeroplanes/helicopters or special vehicles in the affected areas, is the only solution to control the breeding/spread of locust.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020