المملكة: Early monitoring of desert locust control in regions of the Kingdom

The National Center for Prevention intensified Plant pests and animal diseases and their control “Weqaa”, its proactive operations to monitor desert locusts in various regions of the Kingdom; By employing drones, with the aim of protecting agricultural resources and promoting sustainable food security.

The center explained that these field movements come to confront one of the most dangerous Pestscross borders, which are characterized by exceptional abilities to fly long distances and reproduce rapidly.

The center revealed that the seasons Locust reproduction usually extends from October to April, which allows the formation of several successive generations of the pest during one year.

The spread of locusts is concentrated during the winter season in Mecca, Medina, Tabuk, Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha, while it extends in the spring season to include Riyadh, Al-Qassim, Hail, and Al-Jawf.

The center confirmed the improvement of environmental conditions and an increase in rainfall rates. Unexpectedly, it creates a fertile environment that contributes to accelerating the proliferation of these insects in pasture areas.

Field teams warned that locust groups begin flying activity in the morning immediately after the temperature rises, forming swarms that fly in a layered, cumulus form that appears like smoke at high altitudes.

To confront this danger, the center indicated the activation of an integrated system that includes seasonal prediction of the pest’s status, early warning, and the use of “drones” technology in operations. Careful monitoring and control.

The supervisory leaders stressed the importance of rapid intervention before outbreaks occur, through thoughtful operational plans that rely on international coordination and information exchange to monitor the invasion of the pest from neighboring countries.

The center added in its instructions that locusts lay their eggs in sandy soil close to agricultural crops and good vegetation, which requires raising the level of awareness among farmers to monitor their fields and report any creeping patrols.

/>He stressed the readiness of human resources and the availability of logistical supplies, to ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector and secure plant resources, in full harmony with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in raising the efficiency of environmental risk management.