MoAF sprays pesticides to control desert locusts
To control desert locusts, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MoAF) sprayed 221lt of pesticides on 211 hectares over two weeks in South Sharqiyah.
The ministry confirmed that locust control operations have also started in Al Wusta governorate since Wednesday morning. Speaking to Muscat Daily an official at MoAF, said, “Pesticides were sprayed in the Governorate of South Sharqiyah from November 18 to December 5.”
Experts in the Directorate General of Agricultural Development in North and South Sharqiyah and the locust control department takes appropriate control measures to eliminate insects that cause damage.
Eng Hamed bin Rashid al Sawaei, director of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock in Al Wusta governorate, said, “Desert locust control operations began on Wednesday morning in the wilayat of Haima. Control operations covered an area of 17 hectares of the 10,0000 hectares. The operation is carried out by ground spraying using special pesticides that are effective, fast and less dangerous. The control will continue until the locusts are eradicated.
“Control operations are also continuing in the villages of the wilayat of Mahout. Four locust control teams carried out spraying in 35 hectares of the 25,000 hectares explored.”
The official added, “The ministry urges breeders of livestock and honeybees to take caution and not transport bees and cattle for ten days.”
Groups of yellow desert locusts reportedly reached the coastal areas of Oman from Pakistan.