DUSHANBE, June 1, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- Locust infestation has affected more than 22,000 hectares of farmland in central Tajikistan, according to the state unitary enterprise, Fight against Locusts.

The worst hit area is Tursunzoda district, some 60 kilometers to the west of Dushanbe.  “In Tursunzoda, locusts have spread over an area of 9,400 hectares,” said the source, “Locust infestation has affected mainly pastures in the district.”  Specialists have already treated more than 2,000 hectares of locust-hit areas.

In all, locust infestations have affected more than 72,000 hectares of farmland across the country.  In Khatlon province, locust infestation has hit 56,000 hectares of lands while in the northern Sughd province, locusts have spread overran area of more than 5,000 hectares.