Central government's big decision to control grasshopper parties, drones and choppers will be sprayed with pesticides

The action being taken by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to control grasshopper groups active in some states was reviewed again today by Departmental Minister Narendra Singh Tomar. Tomar said that the government is taking this problem very seriously. All necessary steps are being taken in collaboration with the states.

Advisory has been issued to the states. Additional sprayers from the UK will start arriving in 15 days. Their order has already been placed. 45 more sprayers will also be purchased within the next one-half month. Drones will be used for spraying pesticides for effective control in tall trees and inaccessible areas, while there is also a plan to use helicopters for spraying.

Area-wise, 11 control rooms have been set up and special teams have been deployed and additional personnel have also been appointed along with them. Control teams are busy in action at all places with the help of farmers. On Thursday, Cabinet Minister Narendra Singh Tomar held a detailed review of the situation by meeting with the two Ministers of State and the Secretary. Tomar informed that in addition to resources, financial assistance is also being provided to the respective states if needed. This problem is being dealt with together with all the aware farmers and the state government and district administration.

Till now Mandsaur, Neemuch, Ujjain, Ratlam, Dewas, Agar Malwa, Chhatarpur, Satna and Gwalior of Madhya Pradesh, Jaisalmer, Sriganganagar, Jodhpur, Barmer, Nagaur, Ajmer, Pali, Bikaner, Bhilwara, Sirohi, Jalore, Udaipur, Pratapgarh, Rajasthan Hoppers and pink herds have been controlled in an area of ​​50,468 hectares at 334 locations in Chittaurgarh, Dausa, Churu, Sikar, Jhalawar, Jaipur, Karauli and Hanumangarh, Banaskantha and Kutch in Gujarat, Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh and Fazilka district of Punjab. Presently flocks of immature pink locusts are active in Dausa, Sriganganagar, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Morena in Madhya Pradesh and Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh.

The locust control offices have 21 micronair and 26 ulvmast (47 spray equipment), which are being used for locust control. In addition supplies have been ordered for 60 sprayers, which will be supplied by the UK-based company. 35 will be supplied twice in June and 25 in July. E-tenders have been invited for spraying pesticides from drones for effective control in tall trees and inaccessible areas, soon drones approved by the Ministry of Civil Aviation will be used. Similarly, orders have been given for the purchase of 55 vehicles. There is also a plan to hire helicopters for the spray.

Under the sub-mission on agricultural mechanization assistance for the purchase of 800 tractor spray equipment at the request of the Government of Rajasthan, approval of Rs. 2.86 crore has been provided by the Central Government. A proposal for financial assistance of Rs 14 crore for the purchase of vehicles, tractors and pesticides under RKVY (60:40) has been approved by the Rajasthan State Government. The proposal of financial assistance of Rs 1.80 crore for the extension of purchase of vehicles, spray equipment, training and locust control under RKVY (60:40) has been approved by the Gujarat State Government. Employees are involved in survey and control operations. Apart from the Plant Protection Directorate, the quarantine and storage department has deployed 80 additional technical staff from various locations. The control room is installed in all LCOs and LWOs and 11 control rooms are functional.

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