Locust threat: High alert in eight districts of Bihar

PATNA: A high alert has been sounded in eight districts sharing border with Uttar Pradesh to ward off attack by swarms of locusts on plants, as they have been sighted in weak to strong groups in their blocks bordering.

The preventive measures prescribed for district administrations concerned include making sharp noise by beating drums and empty tin cans, spraying pesticides and chemicals with fire brigade, among others.

In West Champaran district, farmers arranged loud sound by playing DJ on Saturday.

“No major damage has been caused to the plants by the locusts in any district where they were sighted. However, partial damage was caused to sugarcane plants in a couple of villages bordering UP in West Champaran district,” Bihar agriculture minister Prem Kumar said.