nécessité d’une stratégie participative pour la lutte contre l’invasion acridienne
Summary of the Meeting on Preventing Locust Invasion in Southern Algeria
On Wednesday, during a regional coordination meeting held in Ouargla, participants emphasized the urgent need for a collective strategy to combat the invasion of desert locusts in the southern provinces of Algeria. This meeting gathered central and local officials, who articulated the necessity of relentless efforts in prevention and control to safeguard the nation’s agricultural potential and food security.
Hamid Bensaâd, Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries (MADRP), stressed the importance of identifying locust breeding sites, with guidance from experts at the National Plant Protection Institute (INPV), to curtail their reproduction. He mentioned that a plan for aerial control over infested areas is being formulated, alongside training programs for farmers on the safe usage of pesticides.
Bensaâd reassured attendees that the situation is under control but urged vigilance, particularly in southern regions. He announced the establishment of intervention bases equipped with sufficient supplies of pesticides, chemicals, and spraying equipment. Preventively, farmers in at-risk regions will be provided with essential pesticides.
The Secretary General confirmed that all necessary human resources and equipment have been mobilized to address the locust threat. This includes high-tech support from 18 drones for monitoring and tracking locust movements, allowing for swift interventions to protect key agricultural areas and strategic crops.
Local governors, attending either in person or via video conference, reported on the state of locust invasions in their respective provinces and the actions undertaken by vigilance committees. They discussed the human and logistical resources in place for the operation, as well as identified gaps in the ongoing battle against the locust invasion.
Recommendations from the participants included organizing training sessions for personnel engaged in these operations and enhancing awareness campaigns through local radio and social media channels aimed at farmers and the general public. This is intended to disseminate accurate information and prevent the spread of misinformation relating to the locust situation.
The regional meeting, which was initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture with support from the Ministries of National Defense, Interior, Local Governments, and Territorial Planning, featured presentations by specialists in anti-locust measures. These contributions were crucial in formulating a comprehensive preventive plan.
This gathering saw participation from central directors of the MADRP, executives from 22 provinces, representatives from the National Risk Delegation, and various sectors including Energy, Transport, Civil Protection, alongside local agricultural service directors, the Office for the Development of Agriculture in Saharan Lands (ODAS), and plant health inspectors.
In conclusion, the ongoing collaboration among various ministries and local authorities reflects a strong commitment to preventing and controlling locust invasions in Algeria’s southern provinces, ensuring both agricultural sustainability and the country’s food security.
