New FAO initiative in Georgia will support the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia to tackle increasing locust outbreaks in the country. One-year project entitled "Preparedness and Emergency Response to Locust Infestations in Georgia" aims to secure livelihoods, feed and food security of the populations living in locust infested areas in Georgia.
2020 witnessed a sharp increase in the number of locust outbreaks and the infested areas. The expansion of Italian and Moroccan locust pests was the biggest in the last three decades: the area that required treatment was more than 72 000 ha, as compared to 20 000-30 000 ha in the previous years. Increased infested area and hence the increase of spread of the treatment sprayers resulted in new challenges related to human health, non-target organisms and environment at large.
To address the above problems and get ready for conducting the effective prevention, detection and treatment procedures for the upcoming season, FAO will provide complex emergency support to the National Food Agency in the locust management:
- Comprehensive control measures and treatment to the targeted 40 000 - 50 000 ha land will be provided. This will include locust field surveys, ground treatment, monitoring missions on the impact of locust control, pesticide residue analysis of vegetation samples, purchase and distribute of the needed equipment and supplies.
- Number of courses and trainings in locust management will be conducted for the respective personnel
- Number of practical guidelines will be produced and distributed to relevant offices.
„Global climate conditions and the increased number of pests bring new challenges to the agricultural sector and environment at large. We need to be ready for such challenges. FAO’s new project will contribute to strengthening institutional and technical capacity of the National Food Agency to prepare for future threats and protect the environment and agricultural production from devastating locust invasions. This will help to avoid negative impact on the economy,“ said Levan Davitashvili, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia.
Benefiting from unique expertise and experience of more than 60 years, FAO promotes prevention, early warning and early action, provides technical assistance for strengthening national capacities on locust management and facilitates through regional and international cooperation.
"FAO plays a leading role in coordinating efforts to manage locust issues at global level. We will deliver our best expertise to Georgia to prevent losses of crops, livestock feeds, food and forest cover, caused by the locust outbreaks," said Raimund Jehle, FAO representative in Georgia.
In the region specifically, FAO has been implementing a multi-funded and interregional “Programme to improve national and regional locust management in Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA)” since October 2011 to the benefit of ten countries, including Georgia.
