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Graphic shows areas affected by locust swarms.
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Sprinkhanenzwermen vernietigennoogst in India

By Jordi Bou

May 28, 2020 - Swarms of desert locusts are devastating crops in India’s heartland, threatening an already vulnerable region that is struggling with the economic cost of the lockdown.

Farmers in India fear extensive crop losses unless the fast-spreading swarms are brought under control before the arrival of the monsoon rains spurs the sowing of rice and other summer crops.

Exasperated farmers have been banging plates, whistling or throwing stones to try to drive the locusts away, and sometimes even lighting fires to smoke them out.

The swarms, pulled eastward by strong westerly winds associated with Cyclone Amphan, have moved from Rajasthan into Madhya Pradesh.

The insects are expected to move east as far as Bihar and Orissa until July, and then return westwards on changing monsoon winds.

As if the locusts invasion wasn't enough, India is also grappling with scorching temperatures as authorities prepared for the end of a months-long lockdown caused by the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 28/05/2020; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Associated Press
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