Locust Disaster Management for UPSC CSE

Locust invasions are one of the most destructive natural disasters for agriculture, capable of severely impacting food security and livelihoods. Swarms of desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria), in particular, can devastate entire agricultural regions, leading to significant economic losses. These invasions are periodic but unpredictable, often triggered by environmental and climatic changes. The locust attacks witnessed in India in 2020, one of the worst in decades, underscore the growing threats posed by these pests in the context of climate change and global warming.

Locust Biology and Behavior

The desert locust is a highly migratory insect known for its ability to rapidly change from a solitary phase to a swarming phase under favorable environmental conditions. During the solitary phase, locusts are not much of a threat. However, when food and breeding conditions are optimal—typically following periods of heavy rainfall and vegetation growth—locusts enter the gregarious phase, forming large swarms capable of traveling vast distances in search of food. These swarms can spread across multiple countries, leading to transboundary invasions.

The 2020 Locust Invasion in India

In 2020, India experienced one of its worst locust invasions in nearly three decades, with swarms entering the country through Pakistan and impacting several states, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. This invasion occurred unusually early, catching farmers and authorities off guard. The heavy swarms were linked to climatic anomalies, particularly unseasonal rains and cyclonic storms in the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa, regions known to be primary breeding grounds for locusts.

Factors Behind the 2020 Locust Invasion

1. Climate Change: Global warming has altered weather patterns in locust-breeding regions, with an increasing frequency of cyclonic storms and heavy rainfall in desert areas like the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa. These storms created ideal breeding conditions for locusts, leading to explosive population growth.
2. Indian Ocean Dipole: A positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) in 2019 led to warmer sea surface temperatures in the western Indian Ocean, resulting in excessive rainfall in the Arabian Peninsula. This abnormal weather further contributed to the large-scale locust breeding.
3. Cyclone Amphan: The 2020 locust invasion was exacerbated by strong westerly winds generated by Cyclone Amphan in the Bay of Bengal, which aided the rapid movement of swarms from Africa to the Indian subcontinent.

Impact of Locust Swarms

Locust invasions can have widespread impacts on food security, livelihoods, and the environment. The 2020 invasion, in particular, highlighted the following consequences:

1. Agricultural Damage: Locust swarms can consume their weight in food every day, causing massive damage to crops. The 2020 invasion primarily threatened the Kharif (monsoon) crop, including staples like rice, maize, and sorghum. This posed a serious threat to food security, especially as the invasion coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbating existing challenges.

2. Economic Losses for Farmers: The destruction of crops leads to substantial economic losses for farmers, many of whom rely on a single growing season for their livelihoods. This not only devastates the agricultural economy but also impacts the broader supply chain, affecting food availability and prices.

3. Urban Disruption: Though locusts typically target rural areas, the 2020 invasion saw swarms entering urban areas, especially after the harvest of the Rabi (winter) crops. While they did not pose a direct threat to urban food systems, their presence disrupted day-to-day activities and raised concerns about food supply disruptions.

Climate Change and the Increasing Risk of Locust Invasions

The 2020 locust invasion underscores the growing role of climate change in amplifying the risk of locust outbreaks. There are two key ways in which climate change contributes to locust swarming:

1. Changing Rainfall Patterns: As seen in the case of the Arabian Peninsula, abnormal rainfall creates lush vegetation in arid regions, providing the perfect breeding ground for locusts. In the context of climate change, such weather anomalies are becoming more frequent.

2. Winds and Cyclones: Locusts are passive flyers, meaning they follow wind patterns. Strong cyclonic systems, often intensified by climate change, enable locust swarms to travel longer distances. In the 2020 invasion, westerly winds generated by Cyclone Amphan helped push swarms from Africa into India.

Given the link between climate change and locust invasions, it is essential to incorporate climate resilience into disaster management strategies.

Existing Management Framework

India has a long history of managing locust outbreaks, with institutional mechanisms like the Locust Warning Organization (LWO) in place since 1939. After independence, the LWO became part of India’s Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine, and Storage, based in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The organization monitors locust activity and provides early warnings to prevent large-scale invasions.

Key Features of Locust Management

1. Surveillance: Monitoring breeding areas, both within India and in neighboring countries, is critical for early detection of locust swarms. Surveillance is primarily carried out by the LWO, which maintains coordination with international organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

2. Aerial Spraying of Pesticides: Once locust swarms are detected, pesticide spraying—particularly aerial spraying—is the most effective control measure. During the 2020 invasion, India used specialized drones and helicopters for pesticide application.

3. Coordination with Neighboring Countries: As locusts are transboundary pests, regional cooperation is vital. India works closely with countries in the Middle East and East Africa, sharing information and coordinating control efforts to limit the spread of swarms.

Challenges in Locust Disaster Management

Despite existing frameworks, there are several challenges that hinder effective locust disaster management:

1. Limited Research on Locusts: Systematic research on desert locusts has been lacking since the 1990s. The 2020 invasion serves as a wake-up call to reinvest in locust biology and behavior research to better predict and manage future invasions.

2. Climatic Uncertainty: The increasing unpredictability of weather patterns due to climate change complicates the ability to forecast locust swarms. Traditional breeding areas may shift, requiring more flexible and adaptive surveillance mechanisms.

3. Inadequate Local Preparedness: While national and regional monitoring systems are in place, there is a need for stronger local-level preparedness. Decentralized disaster management, with greater involvement from local governments and communities, would improve the overall response.

4. Pesticide Shortages: The COVID-19 pandemic complicated efforts to manage the 2020 invasion by causing delays in the availability and distribution of pesticides and necessary labor. This points to the need for better logistical planning during concurrent disasters.

Way Forward: Integrated Disaster Management

To mitigate the risks of future locust invasions, India needs to adopt an integrated approach that combines climate change mitigation, disaster management, and sustainable agricultural practices.

1. Strengthening Research and Monitoring: India must revitalize research programs focused on locusts, particularly in relation to their response to climate change. This could involve developing more sophisticated early warning systems that account for new breeding areas and changing wind patterns.

2. Aerial Control Measures: Expanding the use of drones and helicopters for pesticide application would allow for quicker and more targeted control of locust swarms, especially in remote or inaccessible areas.

3. Regional Cooperation: As locusts are a transboundary issue, India must strengthen regional cooperation with affected countries, particularly in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East. This could include joint surveillance programs and shared resources for pest control.

4. Climate-Resilient Agriculture: To protect crops from locust invasions and other climate-related threats, India must invest in climate-resilient agricultural practices. This could involve developing pest-resistant crop varieties, promoting sustainable land management, and supporting farmers with crop insurance and financial aid during locust attacks.

5. Decentralization of Disaster Management: Strengthening local disaster management frameworks, as recommended by the Fourteenth Finance Commission, would empower local governments and communities to respond more effectively to locust invasions. This would involve capacity building, better coordination with national authorities, and the provision of resources for rapid response.

Conclusion

The 2020 locust invasion in India highlighted the complex interplay between climate change, agriculture, and disaster management. As extreme weather events become more frequent, the risk of locust invasions is likely to increase. By adopting an integrated approach that focuses on research, regional cooperation, and climate resilience, India can better manage future locust disasters and protect its food security and agricultural economy.