Grasshoppers' invasion not a good sign: CM

Kohima, Jun 27 (UNI) Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has expressed concern over the recent invasion of grasshoppers here opining that the phenomenon 'is not a good sign'.

Speaking on the sidelines of Rajya Sabha election at the Nagaland Assembly Secretariat yesterday, Mr Rio said although such invasion contained no visible threats, it probably indicated a change in climatic conditions fuelled by global warming.

He also cited a few abnormal phenomena like bamboo flowering in Mizoram and subsquent rodent menace.

The Department of Agriculture was conducting studies on grasshoppers' invasion and it had asked the district agriculture offices to report any damage caused in cultivation, according to Mr Rio.

Meanwhile, Director of Agriculture Dr Supong Kietzer informed a local daily that strict vigil was being kept since the first week of June when invasion began. Field staffs were also detailed to keep watch on whether the grasshoppers affected farming.

Dr Kietzer elaborated that the insects belonged to Mitu-grasshopper species, adding that the cause of the invasion was yet to be ascertained.

Meanwhile, the winged creatures, under strong source of light, attracted hundreds of people adding delicacy to the meals of Naga people.

The Health and Family Welfare Department is keeping strong vigil on the consumption of grasshoppers, confirming no complaint has been received so far.

UNI AS ADG RL HS1659