CERF allocates $293,000 to control a Moroccan locust outbreak in Georgia
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[Photo: FAO]
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15 June 2010: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) will use $293,394 to assist food insecure rural populations affected by the locust outbreak.
In Georgia, the Italian Locust is considered the main locust pest. However, during recent years, succession of hot summers and cool and dry winters has resulted in an increase of Italian Locust populations and of related infested areas. Forecast made by the National Service of Food Safety, Veterinary and Plant Protection (NS) of the Ministry of Agriculture indicates that a total of 15,000 hectares will require control operations during the 2010 locust campaign.
In addition, an outbreak of Moroccan Locust is developing in the south-east, along the border with Azerbaijan. About 20,000 hectares were infested in late April, which exceeded national capacities of available pesticides and funding.
This unusual and critical locust situation could have negative effects on livelihood, economic growth and social conditions of rural populations living in the infested areas of Georgia, which already suffer from food insecurity. In addition, there is a risk of spread out towards Azerbaijan. In this context, the Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia has requested FAO assistance on 30 April 2010.
[Last Update:13 July 2010]