Plant Protection Agency responds to reports of locusts in regions

Reports of locust swarms appearing in several regions of Uzbekistan have been circulating on social media in recent days. In response, the Plant Quarantine and Protection Agency has issued a statement confirming that the situation is under control and all swarms detected so far have been eliminated.

According to the agency, each reported case was investigated on-site. For example, on the night of June 11, locust activity was detected near the Bash 500 MW wind power plant in Gijduvan district, Bukhara region. Early in the morning, a barrier method was deployed around the strategic facility, followed by chemical treatment later that day.

Images showing locusts at gas stations in Zarafshan city also surfaced online. The agency confirmed that this situation was addressed promptly, and the insects were eliminated.

Experts identified the insect in the photos as "Saxobolus bocurii", a species of grasshopper that does not pose a threat to crops. These insects had reached the "imago" stage—meaning they were fully developed and capable of reproduction—but were already nearing their natural death cycle after laying eggs. Their attraction to light is a typical behavior at this stage.

In Navoi region, preventive efforts against harmful locusts began in April. Authorities formed four task forces equipped with six UMO sprayer vehicles, five tractor-mounted sprayers, and three water trucks, involving a total of 25 personnel.

"If necessary, additional forces will be mobilized. The situation is currently under control," the agency stated.

As of June 12, a total of 819,571 hectares of land have been monitored across the country. Harmful locusts were found on 485,280 hectares, and chemical treatment has been applied to 477,505 hectares. The total area planned for monitoring and treatment exceeds 608,000 hectares.

Concerns have also been raised over locust activity in neighboring Kazakhstan, where a swarming species has been reported. According to the agency, Uzbekistan is in constant communication with Kazakhstan’s pest control services, and intensified monitoring is ongoing in border regions. Swarms that cross into Uzbek territory are being swiftly eradicated.

It is worth noting that earlier this year, during the 55th session of the European and Mediterranean Plant Quarantine and Protection Working Group held in Tashkent, officials from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan signed an agreement to cooperate on cross-border pest control and monitoring efforts.