Locusts hit farms in Sumatra

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Some 99 hectares planted with rice and corn in Ogan Komering Ulu and Ogan Komering Ilir regencies in the province have been damaged following a locust attack (locusta migratoria), an official said on Friday.

The head of South Sumatra Food Crops Agricultural Agency, Trisbani Arief, told Antara that swarms of grasshoppers attacked more than 37 villages in those regencies.

"Six years ago they ruined 360 hectares," he said.

Trisbani said the agency was working together with farmers to eradicate the pest.

Some 250 liters of insecticide and nets have also been distributed to farmers, he added. (hdn)