Historical Overview of Locusts Attack in India: A Review Article

Abstract

Locusts are migratory pests. They are always present in the deserts between Mauritania and India with an invasion area of about 30 million sq. km. They fly downwind in search of lush green vegetation and conducive breeding conditions. When the locust infestations are widespread and heavy, that period of one or two years is called plague. In India, Scheduled Desert Area (SDA) provides favourable breeding conditions to Desert Locusts. The SDA extends over an area of 205,785.45 sq. km. in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana. In the year 2020, India is facing the worst Locust Attack since 1993. Locust control operations have been carried out in 1,86,787 hectares area from 11th April 2020 till 19th July 2020 in the states by Locust Circle Offices (LCOs).