PANJIM, June 1 -- India is suffering one of the worst locust attacks in its history. Climate change-induced unseasonal rain or frequent cyclones have been considered to be the main reasons for the infestations. It is understood that the Goa State agriculture agencies have kept a close watch on the movement of locusts which have been sighted in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Swarms which have travelled 120 kilometers in the past is reported to be at least 10 km long and 2 km wide. The number of locusts could be in tens of millions. Fortunately in Goa the Rabi season is over and the paddy has been harvested. Hence the locust cannot harm the crop. Controlling locust swarms is no easy task. The larger the swarms, the more difficult the task becom...