Pests attack Sumba crops

Pests attack Sumba crops

MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): Around 750 hectares of crops
have been destroyed by locusts in the past few weeks, according
to the head of food crops of East Sumba.

The official, Umbu Kaludang, was quoted as saying over the
weekend that the pests had attacked crops in 26 villages. He
hoped the government could help wipe them out as the local
agricultural agency had ran out of pesticides. Residents were now
trying traditional methods such as burning them.

The locusts, locals said, were found in villages in the
districts of Panuga Londu, Rindumalulu, Tandung, Lewa, Paberiwai
and Waingapu town.

"They increase rapidly because one locust can lay eggs four
times at 400 eggs each time," Kalundang said as quoted by Pos
Kupang daily.

Separately Kawango village head Petrus Kondanglinmu said
farmers there feared for their corn harvests. A failure would be
the second since 1997. Another official said famine was feared if
harvests failed. (yac)