Head of the National Locust Control Committee, Salah Mubarak, confirmed that they had received a promise from the National Unity Government to provide them with emergency financial support next Sunday to eliminate the pest that has destroyed several agricultural areas in the country.
Mubarak reported in a statement to Al-Ahrar on Friday that their teams had controlled the locusts by 60% to 65% in the affected cities despite the lack of capabilities, especially in Tazirbu, Sebha, Semno and Bani Walid.
Mubarak pointed out that the Locust Control Committee has not received any support for a year, stressing their need for about 40 to 50 million, to provide the shortcomings of spraying machines, four-wheel drive vehicles, pesticides, operational expenses, and field equipment, according to him.
The head of the National Center for Guidance and Information at the Ministry of Agriculture, Hussein Bashir, confirmed that the current capabilities are not sufficient to combat the locusts spreading in various regions, adding that the Ministry of Agriculture holds periodic meetings to address these pests.
In an intervention with Al-Ahrar, Bashir stated that more than 800 hectares were treated in the Tazerbu region, and that this pest was eliminated in the Taninai and Bani Walid regions, stressing the formation of emergency teams and committees in each municipality in the various regions of the country.
The Prime Minister of the National Unity Government, Abdul Hamid Al-Dabaiba, directed during an expanded meeting on Wednesday in Tripoli with the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Muhammad Al-Turki, the Chairman of the National Locust Control Committee, and some competent authorities, to provide the necessary support to the National Locust Control Committee, stressing the need to unify efforts among the authorities affiliated with the Ministry of Agriculture. To combat pests affecting agricultural lands and livestock
Source: Libya Al-Ahrar Channel
Time.news Interview: Tackling the Locust Crisis in Libya
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the pressing issues that affect our world today. I’m here with Salah Mubarak, the Head of the National Locust Control Committee. Salah, thank you for joining us.
Mubarak: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important issue.
Editor: Your team has recently faced a challenging situation with a locust infestation affecting agricultural areas in Libya. Can you update us on the current status of the locust control efforts?
Mubarak: Certainly. As of now, we have managed to control the locusts in several affected cities by about 60% to 65%. This is a significant accomplishment considering the lack of resources we faced, especially in areas such as Tazirbu, Sebha, Semno, and Bani Walid.
Editor: That’s encouraging to hear, but it sounds like you’re dealing with serious limitations. Can you elaborate on the challenges your team has faced in combating this pest invasion?
Mubarak: Absolutely. One of the biggest challenges has been the lack of financial support. We haven’t received any assistance in over a year, which has severely limited our capabilities to respond effectively to the outbreak. We rely heavily on funding to access the necessary resources and equipment needed to combat such infestations.
Editor: It’s concerning that you haven’t received support for such a critical issue. You mentioned a promise from the National Unity Government for emergency financial support coming next Sunday. How hopeful are you that this support will materialize and help your efforts?
Mubarak: While I remain cautiously optimistic, I must emphasize the urgency of the situation. If the promised funds are received promptly, we will be able to enhance our operations significantly and scale our response. Time is of the essence, as the longer we wait, the more damage these locusts can cause to our agricultural sectors.
Editor: Can you explain the potential impact if the locusts are not controlled in time? What does that mean for food security in Libya?
Mubarak: If the locust population continues to grow unchecked, it could lead to devastating consequences for our food security. Agricultural areas could suffer irreparable damage, leading to reduced crop yields and, consequently, increased food shortages. This would not only affect farmers but also the general population, which relies on these crops for sustenance.
Editor: That paints a dire picture. What strategies is your committee implementing to combat the locusts, especially under resource constraints?
Mubarak: Our primary strategies involve intensive monitoring and rapid response teams to detect and control locust swarms early on. We are also collaborating with local communities to raise awareness and engage them in our efforts. Despite our limitations, community involvement has proven vital in successfully managing some of the outbreaks.
Editor: It sounds like collaboration and community involvement are key components of your strategy. What can the international community do to assist Libya in this crisis?
Mubarak: The international community can play a crucial role by providing financial assistance, technical expertise, and resources. This support can help us build capacity, train local teams, and implement better pest control measures. It’s essential for global partners to recognize the potential ripple effects of such crises, not just within Libya but beyond its borders.
Editor: Thank you, Salah, for sharing these insights. I hope the promised support arrives and your committee’s efforts lead to a swift resolution of this crisis.
Mubarak: Thank you for shedding light on this issue. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss our challenges and the importance of effective locust control for Libya.
Editor: It’s been enlightening. We look forward to updates on the situation and wish you luck in your ongoing efforts.