Moroccan locust detected in Uzbekistan

Harmful locusts have been found spreading in several parts of Uzbekistan, the Plant Quarantine and Protection Agency said.

According to the agency, harmful locusts began hatching in Kashkadarya and Surkhandarya regions on March 22, in Samarqand region on March 24, and in Jizzakh region on March 28. The pests have been identified as first- and second-instar Moroccan locusts, and measures are being taken to prevent them from reaching residential crop fields and household plots.

The agency said monitoring and surveillance efforts have been intensified in all regions, while chemical treatment is being carried out in areas where locust groups have been detected. Traditional chemical control measures begin each year in oasis areas and conclude in the districts of the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

At present, 53 high-capacity special spraying vehicles, 194 tractor-mounted sprayers, more than 1,000 motorized backpack sprayers, 25 water transport vehicles, and 66 motorcycles have been prepared for the campaign. Reserves of fuel, lubricants, and chemical agents have also been stocked.

In 2026, chemical treatment is planned on a total of 651,800 hectares. So far, more than 22,000 hectares have been surveyed, and chemical control measures have been carried out on 3,641 hectares.

To ensure timely and effective action against the harmful locusts, operational headquarters have been set up in all regions, along with rapid-response control units in districts.

It is worth noting that nearly 200 locust species exist in the country, and every year action is taken against six to eight harmful swarm-forming species. To ensure the season passes without major losses, the locust control service has been switched to a 24/7 operating mode. Across the country, around 700 specialists have been involved in monitoring and control efforts.

The agency has asked citizens to report areas affected by harmful locusts by calling 1288 or 71 202 10 00. It also reminded the public that chemical treatment in such areas is carried out free of charge.

Earlier, pest-control operations had begun on small islands located in the Amu Darya River within the neutral zone along the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan border.