Locusts hit farms in Sumatra

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)