Locusts spread to South

By Sumathipala Diyagahage   

The spreading of locusts reported recently from Kurunegala and Mawathagama area has now spread to several areas in the south. 

Southern Province Director of Agriculture I. D. Gunawardene said the pest was seen spreading in Kirinda, Puhulwella and Urugamuwa areas. He said a swarm of more than 1000 locusts was found in an area of about one perch of land. He said the banana leaves in that land had been totally destroyed by the destructive insect.   
Mr. Gunawardene said a swarm of more than 500 locusts were found in an bush of an ornamental plant in Urugamuwa area and in a coconut tree in the vicinity. He said steps have already been taken to spray insecticides upon the instructions of Peradeniya Agricultural School.   He said the step was taken to create awareness in this regard among all Agricultural Research and Production Assistants in the province. 

(Pic by Sunil Kahagalla)