UAE ready to combat desert locust swarms

The UAE is 'fully prepared' to combat desert locust infestation if they happen to enter the country, authorities have assured.
The Abu Dhabi Food Safety contended that it was ready to control the spread of the insects to avoid potential economic damage to the local agriculture sector.
Earlier this month, a top UN humanitarian official had reported that Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia are being invaded by massive swarms of desert locusts - the worst infestations in decades.
The swarms also crossed into Uganda overnight, while Tanzania and South Sudan were placed "on the watch list".
Last month, reports from Najram in Saudi Arabia indicated that the city was infested by millions of locusts, with similar infestations expected to continue over the following few months. Videos and pictures shared from the city showed thousands of locusts clinging onto trees and darkening the city's skies.
Spotted locusts? Report right away
Authorities in Abu Dhabi have called on owners of farms to immediately report to the bodies concerned when they spot desert locusts. They are also urged to refrain from burning farm wastes or creating huge smoke so as to prevent the spread of the insects.
Officials have urged members of the society to avoid collecting or eating the locusts that can pose health hazards.
Locusts are the swarming phase of short-horned grasshoppers of the family Acridities.
If they invade the environment and agriculture, authorities usually fumigate the farms and streets in an attempt to reduce its spread and prevent potential harm to crops and other green areas.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Environment had earlier warned that the locust infestation in their country could last for at least two more months. The kingdom started to see the outbreak of locusts earlier in January, after good rains in the region caused the insects to move from Eritrea and Sudan along the Red Sea into Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Certain areas prone to swarms
The Environmental Agency Abu Dhabi pointed out that in the winter season, certain areas of the UAE are prone to desert locust swarms due to their migration here from coastal areas of neighbouring countries.
The UAE is a prime breeding ground for the species given its climate and environmental condition during this time of the year.
DESERT LOCUSTS: ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS THREATS TO FOOD SECURITY
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN said the desert locust is considered to be one of the most dangerous pests threatening crop production and food security.
Its ability to survive and breed under various climates in areas covering 29 million square kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to India and Pakistan in the east - across 64 countries ­- can pose a significant risk to the agriculture sector.
In one day, it can devour enough food that can feed 34 million people
Countries where swarms are reported
>Kenya
>Ethiopia
>Somalia
>Uganda
>South Sudan
>Tanzania
>Democratic Republic of the Congo
>Saudi Arabia
>Yemen
>Kuwait
>Bahrain
>Iran
Source: www.fao.org
ismail@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi