Chitwan, June 28

Locusts have been spotted in Kalika and Khairhani municipalities in the eastern Chitwan. According to Prime Minister Agricultural modernisation project implementation unit Chief Meghnath Timilsina, a tiny band of locusts have been spotted in Kalika-3 and Parsa of Khairhani. As he said, agro technicians from the project, Agricultural Knowledge Center and from the municipality are studying about the insect and the situation after its arrival. As he said, local agricultural technicians of Khairhani confirmed that a small band of locusts was seen over the sky in Parsa area. People are urged to inform the bodies concerned if the presence of locusts was noticed in anywhere in the district. Likewise, the vermin has also been in Bharatpur Metropolis and Ichhakamana Rural Municipality. According to Center Chief Rajan Dhakal, the State Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives is holding a meeting today to discuss ways to deal with the possible harm and loss to be caused by the insect. Experts from the Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, project, Center and ministry’s senior officials are attending the meeting. Farmers have been urged to complete the maize and Chaite rice harvesting soon and to protect nursery plants from the invasion of locusts. Chief District Officer Narayan Prasad Bhattarai said chiefs of offices concerned have been asked to gear up for the prevention of insect menace. Moreover, technicians from Makwanpur have reported the spotting of swarms of locusts there, according to Dhakal.