Locusts invasion from Pakistan destroys crops in Rajasthan

Rajasthan: A massive swarm of locusts from Pakistan has destroyed thousands of hectares of crops in northwest India especially the borders of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. While officials have attempted to tackle the swarm with pesticides, farmers have deployed drums to drive away the insects, with videos showing women and men banging on steel plates - due to local beliefs that loud noise repel locusts.

The farmers complain that they have been facing the problem for 8 months, yet the state government has not them fight against the locusts invasion. Farmers are upset and angered over the negligence and apathy of concerned officers. However, the officials said there was a problem in communication between India and Pakistan, if not the locusts invasion could have been controlled and diverted. Farmers are pleading the government to help them as the locusts have destroyed their crops completely. Chief minister Ashok Gehlot visited the infected area and assured the farmers that they'd receive help.