Tunisia has brought under control, a desert locust infestation in the south of the country, treating more than 21,000 hectares thanks to international support and intensive operations.
Tunisia has treated approximately 21,500 hectares infested with desert locusts in the south of the country since April, the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture reported.
Relying on the assistance of the FAO and neighboring countries enabled rapid control of the locust invasion, preventing a wider agricultural crisis.
Thus, the improvement in the situation is the result of intensive ground and aerial interventions.
As of June 16, 5,770 hectares had been treated by helicopter and the rest by ground, targeting both larvae and adult insects.
Weather conditions, particularly rains on the African coast and drying soils, also helped contain the spread. In this context, Tunisia has benefited from logistical and technical support from neighbouring
countries.
The FAO, for its part, has mobilized two drones, treatment equipment, training, and five regional teams deployed since May 10.
The Ministry of Agriculture previously reported the treatment of 11,875 hectares as of May 20, including 2,825 hectares by air.
SL/ac/Sf/fss/as/APA