Hundreds of insects in Kolar farms: Karnataka farmers worried of locust attack

The video posted by Kolar farmer shows hundreds of grasshoppers in what is believed to be a locust attack near Dimba-Kolar-Bangarpet Main Road. This has left the entire farming community in Karnataka and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and TN in fear as Kolar shares the border with both the states. Officials say no need to worry as these are not locusts that are wrecking havoc in the North Indian states.

First Published May 29, 2020, 1:43 PM IST | Last Updated May 29, 2020, 1:43 PM IST

Kolar: 500 to 600 egg pods of grasshoppers in Kolar, Karnataka, at a time when locusts are found swarming the fields in North India, has now caused alarms among the farming community in South India.

A video shot by a farmer from Dimba-Kolar-Bangarpet has gone  viral. The video shows hundreds of grasshoppers in what is believed to be a locust attack.

Kolar DC Sathyabham deployed officials from the agriculture department and after examination, they confirmed that these are grasshoppers and not locusts. She said, "No need to worry, farmers can go ahead with their farming activity as good rains have begun. "

According to officials, "Usually at this time, grasshoppers lay about 100 eggs. This time, it was about 500 to 600 egg pods that have raised concerns. The insects live for two months. One need not worry."