30 villages impacted
Grasshopper infestation threatens agriculture in Sidakan
SIDAKAN — Villages in the Sidakan area, under the Soran Autonomous Administration, are grappling with a severe grasshopper infestation. This outbreak, which has spurred the agricultural sector into action, is largely attributed to the increased rainfall throughout the Soran region.
Abdulrahman Mustafa, head of the Sidakan Agricultural Department, expressed to 964media that the department is actively seeking solutions to mitigate the grasshopper outbreak across the area.
“In our jurisdiction, 30 villages have been affected by the grasshoppers, with the highest concentration in the village of Bekhapush, which is completely overrun and has become the epicenter of its spread,” Mustafa explained.
He noted that local authorities have been aware of the issue for some time, but their response has been limited. “They have only provided 150 liters of pesticide, which is grossly insufficient for the 30 affected villages,” he said.
Mustafa highlighted the significant agricultural damage caused by the grasshopper infestation and cautioned that without prompt and effective intervention, the situation could severely impact this year’s crop yields.
Reports last week indicated that a similar grasshopper infestation in the Penjwen district of Sulaymaniyah is also wreaking havoc on local agriculture, with farmers experiencing unprecedented damage to crops such as watermelons and tomatoes.
Soran agriculture directorate battles land encroachment
