Threat of locusts: Strong regional, international cooperative mechanism sought

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has sought a strong regional and international cooperative mechanism as vital to addressing the serious threat posed by desert locusts to the food security of Pakistan and the region.

At a briefing to the diplomatic community by the National Locust Control Centre (NLCC), on Thursday, the international community was informed about the multi-dimensional challenges posed by locusts amid simultaneous efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

The gathering was informed that the current outbreak is the worst in over 25 years and that the pest is migrating towards Pakistan from countries in the region as well as from the "Horn of Africa" and the Red Sea area, said a statement issued after the briefing. Syed Fakhar Imam, Minister for National Food Security and Research, who led the briefing, appreciated the role of the governments of China, the United Kingdom, and Japan for joining hands with Pakistan in thwarting the desert locust threat.

The minister further acknowledged the important contribution of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in extending support to Pakistan.

The National Plan of Action, which was devised in consultation with the provincial governments, was an illustration of the whole-of-government approach and was delivering substantive results, the minister added.

Maj General Saeed, deputy coordinator of the NLCC, briefed the participants on the structure and working of the NLCC, while Omar Hamid Khan, secretary National Food Security and Research, outlined financial and technical resources allocated to the national effort.

Lt General Moazzam Ejaz, national coordinator NLCC and engineer-in-chief was present.

Federal Secretary National Food Security urged the international community for cooperation in anti-locusts operation.

He mentioned that sharing of timely information among locusts-infected countries was very important.

Dr Christian Turner, British High Commissioner to Pakistan said that the UK had given £1 million to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to tackle swarms of locusts in Pakistan.

He added that 20 of 83 micron sprayers as part of a UK aid package had been handed over.

Mina Dowlatchahi, the FAO representative in Pakistan appreciated efforts of the Ministry of NFS&R and the NLCC for anti-locusts operation. The briefing to members of the diplomatic community and the international partners was part of the on-going efforts, led by Prime Minister Imran Khan, to mitigate the threat of desert locust since the declaration of national emergency on 31st January 2020.

The briefing provided an opportunity to inform them of the multi-dimensional challenges posed by locusts amid simultaneous efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

The participants were also informed of strong support and cooperation extended by Pakistan to the relevant regional countries under the FAO's Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in South-West Asia (SWAC).

Pakistan has been sharing information and data on a weekly basis, on its locust control operations at the bordering areas with all members of the SWAC (Iran, Afghanistan and India).

In the spirit of enhancing international cooperation, Pakistan has also reached out to 17 African countries including Algeria, Burundi, Chad, Central African Republic, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Libya, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, Tunisia, Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda as well as several Middle Eastern states including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Yemen, and Oman, to enhance bilateral cooperation in defeating desert locust.

The event was attended by ambassadors, high commissioners and representatives from China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, Oman, Kenya, Sudan, Yemen, Japan, Afghanistan, Australia, Italy, European Commission, Turkmenistan, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Somalia, Germany, and France. Heads of UN agencies and international financial institutions as well as members of the print and electronic media also attended.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020