Locusts in Kazakhstan could extend reach 50% to 2.5 mln hectares in 2023

ASTANA. Sept 20 (Interfax) - Locusts in Kazakhstan are expected to affect 2.5 million hectares of land this year, up 50% from 1.6 million hectares last year.

Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin chaired a meeting with cabinet ministers on Wednesday to address the current locust situation and discuss measures to combat the anticipated locust expansion in the upcoming year.

"According to the Methodological Center for Plant Disease and Forecasts, in 2024, during the peak of the 11-year locust distribution cycle, gregarious locusts are expected to extend their reach to 2.5 million hectares. This is a 50% increase compared to the 1.6 million hectares affected in 2023," the government press office quoted him as saying.

At the same time, gregarious locusts are expected to spread most widely in Aktobe, Kostanay, Turkestan, and Zhambyl regions.

Zhumangarin said it was necessary to start preparing to combat locusts immediately to avoid issues in the spring. He urged the Agriculture Ministry to ensure proper readiness for protective measures, including timely procurement. Zhumangarin also called on the Finance Ministry and regional authorities to allocate extra funds for these protective measures.