Türkiye dismisses locust infestation reports

Türkiye's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said in a statement posted on its official Facebook account that there is no locust infestation in the Marmara Sea region that has caused damage to crops or other economic losses.

The statement follows inspections carried out in response to media reports, as well as photographs and videos posted by citizens claiming that a similar phenomenon involving insects had been observed in Istanbul and surrounding areas, CE Report quotes BTA.

"Following inspections carried out by Ministry teams in Istanbul, Tekirdag and the Marmara Sea region, no locust population capable of threatening agricultural production and causing economic losses has been detected," the Ministry said.

According to the Ministry, the photographs and footage of locusts published in recent days show part of the natural local population, meaning that there is no infestation originating from Africa or another region of the world.

The Ministry also said that the species of locust observed in Istanbul does not damage agricultural crops. On the contrary, it feeds on pests that affect crops and thus contributes to ecological balance.

"Our country is a natural habitat for various species of locusts. Due to climatic conditions, and particularly during the period when they lay eggs, some populations may increase. They may also be carried by the wind and be noticed more frequently by citizens due to warmer weather and their attraction to light," experts said.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry stressed that locust populations in Türkiye are monitored through the Plant Protection Programme, while the work of experts in Istanbul and Tekirdag has been intensified in recent days.

"If a situation arises in which the species could harm agricultural production or the economy, the necessary pest-control measures will be implemented immediately. At present, we are not facing a situation that requires such intervention," the statement said.

Photo: Chat GPT