The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has strengthened its monitoring and forecasting capabilities to combat desert locusts in India. A recent joint survey, conducted by FAO experts alongside India’s local desert locust survey officers, took place across the locust-prone districts of Jodhpur, Bikaner and Jaisalmer. These areas, known for their vulnerability to locust swarms, were closely monitored as part of ongoing efforts to manage the threat posed by the migratory pests.
The Desert Locust (Schistocerca gregaria), one of the most destructive pests globally, can travel up to 150 kilometers in a single day, wreaking havoc on crops. Swarms of locusts can contain millions of individuals and consume vast amounts of food, posing a serious risk to food security and rural livelihoods. FAO has been actively involved in monitoring and managing the threat posed by desert locusts for many years.
During the monsoon season, locust activity has been relatively low in both India and neighboring Pakistan. However, experts stress the importance of maintaining vigilant monitoring efforts, especially during periods of reduced activity, to ensure preparedness in case of an outbreak.
Joint Survey Across Key Regions
Over the course of seven days, the survey team covered a total of 2,570 kilometers, inspecting 30 different survey points. While some areas showed no locust activity, others reported sightings of isolated immature locusts. The survey focused on regions that have historically been vulnerable to locust incursions, and the results will help guide future monitoring efforts.
The field survey was made possible through the collaboration of India’s Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage, and the Regional Locust cum Integrated Pest Management Center (RLCIPMC) in Jodhpur.
Virendra Kumar, Head of RLCIPMC, spoke about the survey’s impact, highlighting the introduction of new tools such as the PlantNet application, which aids in identifying desert weeds and locating potential locust hotspots. He praised the successful cooperation between local authorities and FAO experts, emphasizing how information sharing and resource utilization helped manage the outbreak.
Training of Desert Locust Management Officers
As part of the ongoing efforts to build capacity in locust management, FAO provided training to desert locust information officers (DLIOs) and survey officers prior to the field survey. The training focused on advanced tools such as the RAMSES v4.1 application for data analysis and remote sensing imagery to predict locust movements. The training is designed to help officers enhance their ability to track and predict locust patterns, improving early warning systems.
Cyril Piou, FAO’s Locust Forecasting Officer, noted the importance of training new officers, many of whom are still becoming familiar with the tools and technologies used in locust management. He emphasized that continued training will optimize their efficiency in managing locust situations, analyzing geospatial data and producing forecasts and national locust bulletins.
Field Guidance and Standard Operating Procedures
The training also included field-based guidance on survey methods and best practices for surveying locust breeding areas. Officers were introduced to FAO’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) for ground surveys, which include specific guidelines on survey transects, recommended survey lengths, and the selection of survey stops.
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Intensive Training for Future Locust Experts
In an effort to further strengthen India’s locust management capabilities, two officers will soon undergo one-month intensive training at the Desert Locust Information Service (DLIS) headquarters in Rome. This training will expose India’s locust experts to the latest global best practices in desert locust management.
Recommendations for Improved Surveying
The survey findings pointed to the border areas of India, where irrigation is not used, as key breeding grounds for locusts during recession periods. Based on these results, the team recommended increasing the frequency and intensity of surveys in these regions.
To improve survey efficiency, the team also suggested maintaining a 5-kilometer distance between survey points during cross-country surveys. This would allow officers to reach breeding grounds more frequently and gain better insights into locust breeding patterns, especially during the monsoon season. Joint surveys involving both experienced and newer locust officers were also recommended to ensure effective knowledge transfer and make the best use of available resources.
The collaborative efforts and ongoing training are vital steps in ensuring that India remains well-prepared to manage future locust threats. FAO continues to support the country’s locust management efforts and enhance its ability to predict and respond to locust incursions.
