In an effort to combat the threat posed by locust swarms, Kazakhstan has made strides in treating affected areas across the country. As of the latest updates, 66% of the planned territories have been successfully treated against locusts, with ongoing efforts continuing in critical regions.
Kazakhstan has deployed extensive measures in Aktobe and Kostanay regions, targeting additional areas based on monitoring outcomes. Particularly in the Alginsky district of Aktobe, where locust flights were observed, authorities have treated 39,570 hectares out of a planned 41,570 hectares.
Swift responses to new locust sightings exceeding economic harm thresholds underscore the proactive stance adopted by local authorities. Furthermore, adequate stocks of pesticides and equipment are readily available across the regions involved in the operation.
The progress and challenges in the locust control campaign were reviewed during a Saturday meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin at the Republican Operational Headquarters. Emphasis was placed on border areas, where preventative chemical treatments spanned 104 kilometers along the border with Russia in the Aitekebiysky district of Aktobe.
The total planned treatment length along the border is 195 kilometers, aligning with ongoing efforts from the Russian side, which has treated 22,000 hectares in the Orenburg region and 10 kilometers along the shared border.
Concerns over locust migrations from the Russian Federation prompted Kazakhstan's Minister of Agriculture, Aidarbek Saparov, to inspect border territories in the Kostanay and Aktobe regions. Coordination meetings with counterparts from the Orenburg Region's Agriculture Ministry, led by Deputy Minister Zhanar Kurmanbaev, were held to synchronize joint actions in response to the cross-border challenge.
Following deliberations at the operational headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister Zhumangarin directed local authorities (akimats) in the Pavlodar, Karaganda, and Abay regions—where dense vegetation heightens locust risk—to intensify monitoring efforts.
Efforts will continue to focus on treating remaining territories, enhancing surveillance, and coordinating closely with international counterparts to preemptively manage potential locust incursions.
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