DUSHANBE, January 23, Asia-Plus  -- A state unitary enterprise to combat locusts has been established at the Ministry for Agriculture and Environmental Protection (MAEP).

According to a MAEP, 3.5 million somonis have be provided for setting up the enterprises and a tender for purchasing necessary  chemicals and equipment has been held.  

 Last year, Tajikistan jointly with Uzbekistan took measures to protect crops.  Mechanical and chemical methods were adopted in border areas, totaling 2,500 hectares, between the two countries to deal with the pests. 

The same measures were supposed to be taken in the areas bordering on Afghanistan as well.  During a meeting in Kunduz, Afghanistan it was decided to treat the border areas.  However, the Afghan side did not fulfill its obligations that caused serious damage to crops in Khatlon’s Qumsangir district.    

At present Central Asia’s states are working out an interregional program to deal with locusts.  The program is being worked out by Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan under financial support of UN FAO.