KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Farmers in western Herat province say the widespread outbreak and invasion of locusts have caused significant destruction to their farmlands and harvests.
Farmers in the Rabat-e-Sangi district of Herat province told KabulNow that thousands of locusts had amassed on farmlands in at least 10 districts of the province over the last two days.
Ghulam Yahya, a farmer in Rabat-e-Sangi district, warned that if the Taliban or aid organizations do not initiate a campaign to eradicate the locusts, their pastures and farmlands will be completely destroyed this year.
He noted that due to heavy rainfall in Afghanistan this year, farmers are optimistic about better harvest after several years of severe drought. However, if not addressed promptly, the outbreak and invasion of locusts will result in significant destruction.
Abdul Zahir, another farmer in the district, also urged for a faster response to eradicate the locusts, emphasizing that failure to address the issue would undermine their hard work.
However, the local Taliban authorities in the district say that the campaign to eradicate the locusts has already commenced in several villages since yesterday. The Taliban’s deputy district governor, Abdul Rahim Rahmani, said that the program will continue until the locusts are completely eradicated in the district.
In recent history, Afghanistan has experienced two significant locust infestations, particularly the Moroccan type. One occurred in 1981, leading to the destruction of roughly a quarter of the national harvest, while another happened in 2003, resulting in an 8% loss due to an improved locust-control program.
The North and Northeast regions of Afghanistan, susceptible to Moroccan locust outbreaks, provide a favorable environment for locusts to hatch and swarm.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says that the Moroccan locust is considered among the most damaging plant pests worldwide. According to the UN agency, the Moroccan locust consumes over 150 species of plants, including tree crops, pasture, and 50 food crops, all of which are grown in Afghanistan. It poses a significant threat to farmers, communities, and the entire country.
Before the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, the country had a locust control program in place. However, since then, this program has been significantly weakened due to suspension to humanitarian aid.
The outbreak of locusts in Afghanistan occurs at a time when the country is experiencing an extreme humanitarian crisis. According to the UN, over 23 million people in the country depend on humanitarian assistance this year.
Following years of drought in the country, farmers are pleased this year due to the recent rainfall. However, concerns about natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and the locust infestation worry them regarding their harvests.
