Algeria Says Won Battle Against Desert Locusts
Date: 14-Mar-05
Country: ALGERIA
"Victory is total...Locusts will no longer do any damage. The economy is protected," Abdelslam Chelghoum, agriculture ministry secretary-general, told a news conference.
Between October and this month, Algeria sprayed 1.9 million hectares (4.7 million acres) from the ground and the air, and the pests have now been eradicated, Chelghoum said.
The insects, which can form swarms of tens of millions taking up hundreds of square kilometres (miles), have destroyed crops in central, western and northern Africa.
Algeria has spent 17 billion dinars ($238 million) over two years to treat its territory.
This meant $14 billion worth of the $85 billion economy was protected from locusts, particularly the agricultural industry, Chelghoum said.
But Algeria will take precautions to ensure against the return of the crop-eating insects by regular surveys of its border with Morocco and by keeping equipment there.
"We remain vigilant so we have put in place necessary provisions for an eventual intervention," Chelghoum said.
Experts from Algeria, Morocco and Mauritania will meet next week to discuss progress and what steps to take next.
Algeria's 2004-2005 crop is forecast to produce four million tonnes of cereals, half of its annual needs.
