DUSHANBE, May 12, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- To-date, locust infestations have been reported in ten district of Sughd province, according to the state unitary enterprise, Fight against Locusts.

The enterprise director, Qiyomiddin Ghaniyev, says that besides locusts that got wings in Tajikistan itself, locusts that flew from Uzbekistan are also posing threat to agricultural fields in Tajikistan.

“Fortunately, locusts have not yet affected areas under crops,” said Ghaniyev, “Opportune measures have been taken to treat the fields and destroy breeding places for locusts.”

According to him, locusts that have flown from Uzbekistan have been detected in Istaravshan, Ghonchi and Zafarobod districts.  “In these districts, locusts have been detected on an area of 2,000 hectares and 1,200 hectares have already bee treated,” Ghaniyev said.

To-date, locusts have been detected in 33 districts across the country on a total area of 52,600 hectares and more than 33,000 hectares have already been treated, the Fight against Locusts head added.

Ghaniyev noted that UN FAO would implement a regional program to combat locusts this year.  “The program will cover all Central Asian and neighboring countries,” said he, “Besides, FAO has promised to provide financial support for purchasing hand sprayers.”