DUSHANBE, March 31, 2010, Asia-Plus --

First locust invasion detected in Jiliqul region in southern part of Tajikistan. The Moroccan locusts have captured a territory of 1000 ha, head of the regional department of agriculture Rahim Boboev told the Asia-Plus.

“These are the first and the second generations. Only 8-10 days remaining till the pupation period. We have already set up an emergency team to fight the insects. Teams are revealing new areas of locust invasion in Garauti and Navzamin jamoats,” he said.

Teams of experts from the department of agriculture are using mechanical methods to fight the invaders. They also conduct related trainings for the population on how to fight the locust.

“We will start using chemicals as soon as the new generation appears. Ministry of Agriculture is already informed about the situation, pesticides are ordered. But at the moment we are using methods which cause much more less harm to natural environment,” Boboev noted.

More than 3.500 ha were under locust invasion in Jiliqul region last year. However, timely measures helped to prevent possible consequences of the invasion.

According to unofficial sources, locust invasion is also reported in Vakhsh, Huroson and Dangara regions of the country.