Morocco sends teams to monitor and control potential locust threat on eastern borders

Morocco is stepping up its efforts to protect its agricultural lands from a potential locust invasion, especially along its eastern borders. 

An official source told Hespress Ar that The National Locust Control Center has sent a team of engineers and experts to monitor the situation and assess any locust swarms that may be coming from Algeria.

This preemptive move comes as part of Morocco’s ongoing commitment to safeguard its crops and food security. 

According to the National Locust Control Center, no locust swarms from Algeria have been detected so far, but the teams continue to keep a close watch across the eastern regions, stretching from Tata to Figuig.

The center’s strategy relies on early detection and rapid response. 

Teams are gathering data to identify breeding areas and potential locust paths. 

Teams also monitor the weather and environmental conditions that could contribute to the spread of locusts, allowing them to take timely action.

Locusts are considered one of the most dangerous agricultural pests. 

A single swarm can contain millions of insects, capable of devouring vast amounts of crops every day. 

Several Maghreb countries have faced locust invasions in recent years, prompting Morocco to enhance its preventive efforts and coordinate with international organizations.

The National Locust Control Center is constantly improving its technology and workforce to tackle the issue. 

The center is also raising awareness among local communities, encouraging people to report locust sightings and contribute to control efforts.

In January, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said that it detected a small number of mature, isolated locusts in Morocco, specifically along the Draa Valley near Zagora, and then in Foum Zguid and Tata.

In its monthly report on locust breeding in Africa and Asia, the FAO predicted that the isolated swarms of mature locusts in the southern Atlas Mountains of Morocco would remain stable.

The report also mentioned that limited spring breeding could occur in some areas, but the likelihood of significant developments in Morocco is low.