Grasshoppers from China damage crops in Zanaskar in J and K

Kargil, Aug 10 (UNI)A deadly breed of grasshoppers from China has caused massive damage to the crops in the entire Zanaskar belt of Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir.

Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, should be informed about the insects, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam nabi Azad told officers and expressed concern over devastating attack on crops by grasshoppers in entire Zanskar belt.

A new deadly breed of grasshoppers had appeared in Zanaskar last year and damaged standing crops. However,this year the number of these grasshoppers has not only increased but the damage caused to the standing crops is unprecedented.

It is apprehended that these grasshoppers come from China last year and despite measures by agriculture department, which noticed the insects for the first time, these could not be wiped out inspite the use of various insecticides and visits of agriculture experts.

Mr Azad, who was briefed about this problem at a meeting here today, expressed his deep concern over the matter and directed for urgent measures to check the spread of this dangerous insect.

He said the speed with which their number is increasing and damage is being caused to the standing crops is a matter of grave concern and all neighbouring states should be informed about these deadly grasshoppers who have the potential not only to damage crops, fruit and other standing trees but also forests and vegetation.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab and Haryana are our rice bowls while Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal pradesh are fruit baskets.

Therefore, he asked the Chief Secretary to immediately convene a meeting of all experts to make all concerned aware about this deadly menace.

He said that these types of problems are not required to be kept in hiding but all necessary measures should be taken to eliminate theseprsects before they assume alarming proportions.

Mr Azad said that he will also personally inform the Union government about this problem and seek their assistance for controlling the menace.

UNI BAS YA KP2013