July 22, 2020

Argentina on alert for locust swarm, crops may be affected

Argentina's Senasa agricultural health inspection agency said a second swarm of locusts are arriving from Paraguay, with farmers on alert for likely crop damage, Reuters reported.

The new swarm will not hit Argentina's main Pampas grains belt, but could affect crops if the southern hemisphere's low temperature prevents the swarm from moving further south.

Hector Medina, a Senasa coordinator said the swarm is located at Formosa province, north-east Argentina where there are more cattle farms than crops.

In May, a locust swarm from Paraguay hit Entre Rios province, nearer to Argentina's main grains belt but did not leave major crop damage.

Senasa said Argentine agricultural health authorities are in contact with counterparts in Brazil and Paraguay to monitor the situation. The three countries are major global soybean exporters.

The statement called for farmers to alert Senasa if they see locusts.

-      Reuters