Locust plague poses an unprecedented threat to Pakistan’s food security and economy amid COVID-19
Pakistan’s economy can face losses of up to 600 billion rupees in 2020 owing to the threat of a second wave of desert locusts invasion on the crops, UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) warned. FAO believes that measures are required to control the insects primarily present in the western regions of the country.
“This year the situation is aggravated as, for the first time in many decades, there is a second threat of invasion by swarms in East Africa in late June and during July,” stated the FAO report.
The prolonged second wave of breeding poses an “unprecedented threat” to food security of the country. The breeding season coincides with rainy and plantation season. Staple crops such as wheat, chickpea and oilseed have already been badly damaged by the desert locusts.
The consistent rain during the winter season has created ideal breeding conditions for locusts which are expected to cross the Iranian border in the next few weeks. A wave of locusts have already significantly damaged crops in Pakistan in the earlier part of the year.
The losses for agricultural production caused by locust plague to just three key crops are estimated to reach around Rs200 billion, based on about 15% crop damage. For other crops, the losses may amount up to 400 billion rupees with 25% crop damage.
Pakistan is currently under severe economic crisis with most of the businesses in the country shutdown due to COVID-19. The government currently is trying to delay the upcoming debt payments to stabilize the economy. A meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan discussed easing the lockdown from May 9 to help the common person. A final decision on the matter will be taken by the National Command and Operation Centre, which is meeting today.
