Chaos in Afghanistan: Locusts Swarm Threatening to Devour 25% of Wheat Harvest, FAO Warns

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has issued a warning about a potential large-scale outbreak of Moroccan Locusts in eight provinces located in the north and northeast regions of Afghanistan. These areas are known for their production of wheat, making them a crucial part of the country's food supply.

Locusts have been observed at various stages of development in Badakhshan, Badghis, Baghlan, Balkh, Kunduz, Samangan, Sar-e-Pul, and Takhar provinces. There have also been recent reports of sightings in Heart and Ghor provinces. The FAO is concerned about the impact this outbreak could have on food security in the affected regions.

According to Richard Trenchard, who serves as the representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Afghanistan, the recent reports about the Moroccan Locust outbreak in Afghanistan's wheat production area are alarming. The Moroccan Locust is known to consume over 150 different types of plants, including various crops, pastures, and tree crops, all of which are grown in Afghanistan. As a result, this insect infestation poses a severe threat not only to farmers but also to communities and the country as a whole.

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Trenchard added further, "The previous major outbreaks that occurred in Afghanistan 20 and 40 years ago caused a loss of approximately 8% and 25% of the country's annual wheat production. Although the harvest forecasts for this year are better than the previous three years, the current outbreak could undo all the recent progress and significantly worsen the food insecurity situation in the country later this year and the next year."

According to Trenchard, the warning signals were sounded later than desired, but the FAO, together with its exceptional non-governmental organization partners, local communities, and local authorities, took prompt action. As there was a shortage of chemical resources throughout the country, they had to rely on conventional "mechanical control" techniques to mitigate the outbreak's effects.

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The Moroccan Locust is considered to be one of the most economically devastating pests for plants globally. In the event of a complete outbreak this year, it could lead to a significant reduction in wheat production, causing losses of approximately 700,000 to 1.2 million metric tonnes, which accounts for a quarter of the total annual harvest. This would result in an estimated economic loss of USD 280 million to USD 480 million, based on current prices in the country.

-FAO Release 

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