Grasshoppers' swarm invade MP, 50k farmers affected in Chambal

  • | Sunday | 16th September, 2018

This is the second such attack in this region in over a decade, said an officer in the area. Truckers on the highways passing through this region are not able to get traction because these insects have made roads too slippery. Equal damage is expected in Sheopur district, said sources.Millions of bugs have invaded these districts hopping around devouring crops and creating traffic hazard for the last two weeks. Grasshoppers have now shifted to the city area, they are everywhere, and we are trying to control with the situation, he added.Invasion began early this month. He said population explosion of the bugs was a result of favourable weather conditions.

BHOPAL: A survey conducted by Madhya Pradesh government for analysing quantum of damages caused by swarm of grasshoppers has reportedly detected massive destruction of crops in villages of Chambal region affecting nearly 50000 farmers.As per initial reports over 20000 farmers in Morena have reported crop loss . Equal damage is expected in Sheopur district, said sources.Millions of bugs have invaded these districts hopping around devouring crops and creating traffic hazard for the last two weeks. Their numbers, say farmers, are so thick that one could kill 15 with a single step.Officials too say that this year's infestation may be the worst in recent history even as the sudden appearance of these insects in and around has triggered worry among farmers in Shivpuri and Gwalior districts too.“As per our initial survey 15000 hectares of farm in areas bordering Morena and Sheopur districts were affected,” Morena collector Bharat Yadav told TOI. He said population explosion of the bugs was a result of favourable weather conditions. “Damages would be covered by agricultural insurances,” he said.Morena sub divisional officer (SDO) Ashok Gurjar who is conducting the survey said, “We have surveyed more than 100 villages in Morena and have found 10 to 15 per cent loss. They are in millions." He said 24000 hc of farm land have been surveyed so far and 12000 were found affected.“Farmers are not ready to spray pesticides on grasses fearing adverse impact on their cattle,” Gurjar said. Grasshoppers have now shifted to the city area, they are everywhere, and we are trying to control with the situation, he added.Invasion began early this month. Truckers on the highways passing through this region are not able to get traction because these insects have made roads too slippery. Several accidents were averted. Highway authorities are now planning to spray malathion to get rid of this trouble. Attracted by lights they blanket highways. Crushed by traffic they are causing light and heavy motor vehicles skid. This is the second such attack in this region in over a decade, said an officer in the area.

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