The federal minister and secretary for the Ministry of National Food Security and Research respectively briefed the sub-committee on the locust outbreak phenomenon, current level of efforts, availability of pesticides, funding, airplanes for aerial sprays and hurdles to holistically address the issue. The panel was informed that no substantial crop damage has been reported by the current outbreak.
It was highlighted that the current outbreak has resurfaced after 35 years. The secretary Ministry of National Food Security and Research Hashim Popalzai stated that the outbreak cannot be entirely eliminated; however, its intensity can be minimized through effective aerial and ground operations. He highlighted that the Federal government works in collaboration with the provincial governments to reign in the locust attack. It was highlighted that pesticides worth Rs10 million have been purchased and arrangements with the donors have been secured to shore up government's efforts. The Committee was briefed that the current attack of locusts is retreating to its habitats in Balochistan.
The members of the committee appreciated the efforts of the ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R) and emphatically stressed that the need for farmers and public awareness campaign to reduce the intensity of the outbreak. The members also underlined the need for drones and artificial intelligence based technological tools for anti-locust spray. The Secretary (MNFS&R) stressed the need for early release of assured allocations under Supplementary Grants and provision of additional budget for the next year to effectively address the locust invasion. The members of the committee assured complete support to the Ministry Of National Food Security in taking preemptive measures against local attack.-PR