Rajasthan government uses drones to contain locust attack

JAIPUR: The Indian states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, along with parts of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, are facing the biggest locust attack in India since 1993. Huge swarms of locusts are infesting and destroying livelihoods in these states and the situation is likely to only worsen. However, experts feel, the Government of India and the concerned state governments have the resources to control the locust attack, if acted timely.

In one such initiative, Rajasthan became the first state in the country to use drones to control the locust spread. These drones, that were designed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, were handed over to the Government of Rajasthan on Tuesday, May 26. They are designed to spray 10 litres of chemicals and are capable of creating a loud sound that would disperse the locusts into different areas, thereby reducing their concentration in a single place. This will help in reducing their chances of breeding and increasing numbers. The first operation involving the drones was carried out in Samod Village of Jaipur.

According to Om Prakash, Commissioner, Department of Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan, the impact and cost effectiveness of the drones was studied by state officials and it was found that the method is indeed successful. Since the drones are capable of flying above the swarm of locusts, officials can carry out combat operations with more flexibility and effectiveness. Earlier, control of these locusts could only be carried out when the locusts were resting on trees. Since the drones can be refilled multiple times at the place of operation, they become cost effective too.

Based on the study of the Government of Rajasthan, the use of drones to contain the locust attack may be extended to other areas in the state too.