Taking a cue from Pakistan, the Ashok Gehlot Government has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the locust attacks as a national calamity since 12 districts are affected.
The issue of locust attack in Rajasthan was raised by BJP MP Hanuman Beniwal during zero hour in the Lok Sabha on Monday and demanded a package for farmers who have lost their crop due to locust attack.
Rajasthan shares its international border with Pakistan and the State Government fears that the locust calamity in the neighbouring country could further impact the agriculture economy of the State. The attacks in the 12 districts have impacted large swaths of agriculture land. In spite of carrying out countermeasures over 3.5 lakh hectares, the attacks have continued.
Earlier, Rajasthan Revenue Minister Harish Choudhary wrote to the PM seeking immediate help in containing the pestilence and compensation for farmers who have lost their crop due to locust attack. As many as 12 bordering districts of the state have been under attack of locust. Farmers are facing locusts attacks since March 2019. "The attacks could also spread in the neighbouring states," the letter read. Locust swams have been seen in several districts in the state on Monday and destroyed rabi crops.
In the Lok Sabha, BJP MP from Nagore, Hanuman Beniwal raised the issue during zero hour and highlighted the crops damaged by locusts in 274 villages in the state and demanded a package for the farmers. Beniwal said that massive damage of crops have been done by these locust in Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan. "The issue was raised at the all party meeting and NDA meeting in this regard. He has also raised the matter with PM Modi," Beniwal said.
Replying to Beniwal, Minister of State Arjun Meghwal assured that a central team has been formed to assess the damage of crops. He assured that compensation will be given to farmers after the assessment of crops damage.
The Locusts Warning Organisation (LWO) of the Ministry of Agriculture estimated that around 3.50-4 lakh hectare crops in various districts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh have been affected in 2019-20. The damage caused by locust attacks in 2019-20 is believed to be one of the worst in India. Crops of mustard, cumin and wheat have been devastated in Rajasthan and Gujarat, affecting lakhs of farmers.
