India faces Desert Locust disaster

Text by: RFI Follow

It is a scourge that is already hitting eastern Africa, and which is now affecting Asia. West India has suffered the worst invasion of locusts for several days in almost 30 years. Millions of insects have ravaged the fields of Rajasthan and several other neighboring regions, and continue their journey across the country. Both authorities and farmers cannot prevent them from eating the plants. Organic fields, however, may be less affected than others.

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From our correspondent in India, Sébastien Farcis

Randeep Kang has already been attacked by locusts in the past, but a week ago, this Rajasthani farmer saw a swarm of unprecedented size falling on his orange trees. “  There were billions of them, the swarm extended over 5km long and 2km wide. A 60cm plant sometimes has thousands of locusts on it, and they can eat all the leaves in a minute, leaving only the trunk. To scare them, we play loud music and we burn tires . "

Evidence by orange trees

It is estimated that 500,000 hectares of Rajasthan have already been devoured by these locusts, in two successive waves. Cotton plants were the most affected. The orange trees of Randeep Kang were surprised by the locusts. The reason, he says, is that his field is biological.

“  After 3-4 years of organic farming, the plants produce their own toxins which are used to repel insects. So it protects them from locusts. "

There are still few studies showing that organic plants are immune to locusts. But this farmer claims to have proof: a neighbor's field, which grows the same orange trees but with pesticides, has been devoured by these insects.

Surprised that no one has blamed Tablighi Jamat for locust attack in India. May better sense prevail. Prayers for all! pic.twitter.com/5Myu4VVO6Q

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