Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan launch joint effort to combat locust infestation

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to coordinate efforts in monitoring and controlling locust infestations along their shared border, as concerns mount over potential threats to regional agriculture.

Kazakhstan’s Vice-Minister of Agriculture, Yermek Kenzhekhanuly, confirmed that joint surveys are underway to assess locust activity, particularly in the southern regions of Kyrgyzstan, where pest hotspots have been identified. “We have started a joint survey with the Kyrgyz side on the sections of the border on our side,” he said, noting that no locust migrations toward Kazakhstan have been recorded so far.

The two Central Asian neighbors are conducting field inspections and environmental assessments to preempt any cross-border spread of Moroccan and other gregarious locust species, which pose serious risks to crops and rangelands.

A similar survey previously carried out on Kazakhstan’s border with Uzbekistan also found no alarming concentrations of locusts. Surveys are continuing along the Kazakhstan-Russia border as part of a broader regional response.

Meanwhile, the Kyrgyz Ministry of Agriculture has reported that no current threat of locust invasion exists within its territory. Officials from Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have already conducted joint research and monitoring missions to detect and mitigate potential outbreaks in vulnerable border zones.

The coordinated approach reflects increasing efforts among Central Asian countries to prevent a repeat of past infestations that have caused significant agricultural losses. Locusts, especially in their swarming phase, can devastate crops and grasslands in a matter of days, making early detection and cross-border cooperation critical.

Authorities in both countries emphasized that they remain on high alert and will continue joint monitoring and pest control operations through the summer growing season.

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