New approaches to locust control discussed in Astana

A working meeting was held in Astana between representatives of the Committee for State Inspection in the Agro-Industrial Complex of the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The parties discussed measures to counter locust pests.

Participants reviewed the current situation regarding locust spread, focusing on the implementation of scientific monitoring methods and the use of international experience in combating transboundary threats to agriculture.

Chairman of the Committee Saken Kanybekov noted that effective control of locust populations requires a systematic approach, including continuous monitoring, prompt response, and coordinated actions at national and regional levels.

FAO Senior Expert Alexander Latchininsky подчеркнул that locust outbreaks are a natural biological phenomenon closely linked to climatic conditions, including alternating droughts and heavy rainfall. He noted that locusts are transboundary pests, and effective population management is only possible through close international cooperation and scientifically grounded approaches.

The meeting also addressed issues related to the safety of plant protection products, transparency in resource allocation, and the scale of ongoing activities.

Special attention was given to the use of modern digital solutions, including satellite monitoring and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as the importance of international cooperation in combating transboundary pests.

Experts emphasized that the main task is to minimize damage to agriculture through scientific approaches, modern technologies, and coordinated actions at all levels.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants stated that locust invasions should not be viewed as an emergency but as a cyclical natural process requiring systematic, professional, and internationally coordinated management.