Question NW1135 to the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
21 May 2021 - NW1135
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What measures is her department taking with regard to the outbreak of locust that is affecting crops in the Northern Cape and other parts of the Republic?
Reply:
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) implemented the commando system which includes training and appointing locust contractors to control the locust outbreak. DALRRD provides these contractors with pesticides, protective clothing and spraying pumps for effective control of the locust outbreak before they reach the crop lands. In addition, DALRRD further appoints the aerial locust spraying contractors to assist within areas where the outbreak is out of control and un-accessible.