Abu Dhabi takes precautions against regional locust infestation – The National

Abu Dhabi takes precautions against regional locust infestation – The National

Abu Dhabi exterminates first locust swarm on island. Small groups of locusts were reported on Dalma Island and were 'promptly' dealt with. The UAE is taking precautions to protect its farms against swarms of locusts that invaded parts of Saudi Arabia and Yemen this month.. Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority on Tuesday said it surveyed a 6km sq area of farmland on Dalma Island and exterminated small gatherings of locusts using pesticides.. It said teams would continue to monitor and survey agricultural areas in Abu Dhabi emirate, particularly on the border with Saudi Arabia where some locust swarms have been reported.. "We received some complaints that small groups of desert locust were gathering in an agricultural area near the coast of Dalma Island," said Dr Al Hammadi.. Dr Al Hammadi said the authority would work with farmers to keep them informed on any locust movements and encourage them to report any issues.. Locusts have destroyed crops in Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and have now made their way to Sudan.. On Monday, the kingdom's Ministry of Agriculture and Water said it cleared 2,600 hectares of land of desert locust in the Eastern Province..