Tripoli: Desert locust attacks are threatening agricultural projects in southern Libya, as warned by the head of the Desert Locust Control Committee in the government assigned by the House of Representatives, Suleiman Ibrahim Baraka. He expressed concerns about a widespread locust outbreak impacting several areas in this region.

According to Libyan News Agency, Baraka informed the Libyan newspaper Al-Anbaa that the movement of fully developed locust swarms towards major agricultural projects signals a serious threat to national food security. He explained that the transformation cycle of locusts from eggs to adults has been completed, resulting in swarms advancing toward agricultural areas. This is happening amid a severe shortage of chemical pesticides needed to control this pest.

Baraka highlighted that active locust swarms have been observed in the Jofra region, with reports coming from affected agricultural projects, especially in Al-Zuwaylah. Emergency teams have been dispatched to these sites to evaluate the situation, and technical reports are expected to be submitted to relevant authorities shortly.

The committee chairman emphasized the importance of immediate action, warning that delays could lead to an uncontrollable situation. He stated that the country could enter a new locust life cycle, complicating future control efforts.

Baraka also highlighted that field teams are struggling due to a significant lack of resources, including control chemicals, logistical, and financial support. He urged for the prompt release of the budget allocated to the General Authority for Locust Control, cautioning that any further delay might result in an agricultural disaster.

In an urgent appeal, Baraka called on executive and legislative authorities to take swift and serious action to address this environmental threat. He emphasized that the risk is already a reality and could soon devastate vast areas of Libya's key food crops.

It's noteworthy that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) classifies desert locusts as one of the most dangerous agricultural pests globally. Reports show that a single swarm, occupying one square kilometer, can contain up to 80 million locusts, which consume enough crops daily to feed about 35,000 people.