CHITWAN: The locusts that entered Nepal from India seem to have reached eastern Chitwan’s Kalika and Khairahani Municipality.

According to Megh Nath Timalsena, the chief of Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project Implementation Unit Chitwan, the damaging locusts have arrived at Dui Saya Bigha of Kalika-3 and Parsa of Khairahani Municipality in the district.

Though temporarily, the locals managed to chase the deadly insects by striking with catapults. After the locals’ chase, the flock flew towards the nearby forest.

Timalsena informed that technicians from the PMAMP, Agricultural Knowledge Center and the respective municipalities are studying about the insect and the threats.

He shared that a small flock of the insect was seen in the sky above Parsa region of Kharahani Municipality on Saturday evening.

The authority has asked the locals to inform it instantly provided the insect is seen in any parts of the district.

Besides, people have reported to the Agriculture Office, Chitwan that small group of locusts were noticed in Bharatpur Metropolitan City and Ichchha Kamana Rural Municipality area.

Rajan Dhakal of Agriculture Knowledge Center informed that an emergency meeting has been organized in the Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives of Bagmati Province.

Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, the high officials of the Ministry and other experts are taking part in the meeting organized at Province Headquarter.

Dhakal informed that the authority has requested the farmers to postpone the harvesting of the ripend crops and save the nursery and the vegetable seedlings.

According to Dhakal, the experts from Makawanpur have informed the center that larger flocks of insects are seen in Hetauda as well.