A triple threat of locust outbreaks is sweeping across Central Asia, including Tajikistan, posing a severe risk to agriculture in the region.  In 2025, authorities have reported significant infestations of three destructive species: the Moroccan locust (Dociostaurus maroccanus), the Italian locust (Calliptamus italicus), and the Asian migratory locust (Locusta migratoria).

A regional crisis beyond borders

These voracious pests consume all parts of crops — from leaves to young shoots — leaving behind scorched fields. What makes the crisis particularly alarming is its transboundary nature: locust populations are migrating across national borders, requiring coordinated international responses.

According to a May 2025 report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Moroccan locust has completed its larval phase and has begun mating and egg-laying in southern regions.  The Italian locust is actively hatching and developing, and Asian migratory locusts have started emerging in Kazakhstan and Russia, threatening neighboring territories in the coming weeks.

Prolonged heat and drought have intensified the outbreaks, accelerating the pests’ reproductive cycles — especially in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, where rainfall has been scarce and temperatures have soared.

Record-level countermeasures in 2025

Efforts to control the outbreaks in Central Asia have reached unprecedented levels.  In April 2025, 614,000 hectares were treated — an 80% increase from 2024. In May, over 1.6 million hectares were treated, up 53% from the previous year.

The surge in pest control operations is attributed to extreme heat — with temperatures in Turkmenistan and Afghanistan reaching +44°C — and near-zero precipitation levels.  These conditions have accelerated the growth and spread of Moroccan and Italian locusts.

Tajikistan's response: on the frontlines

In Tajikistan, major infestations are concentrated in Khatlon and Sughd provinces, and districts subordinate to the center (DSC).  By May, the Moroccan locust had begun laying eggs in southern areas, while Italian locust nymphs in Sughd province had reached their 4th and 5th growth stages.

• In Khatlon province, authorities began spraying as early as March using tractors, drones, and both chemical and biological pesticides.
• In Sughd province, roughly 30,000 hectares are scheduled for treatment, with efforts focused on Devashtich, Spitamen, Mastchoh, Bobojon-Gafourov, and Zafarobod districts.
• The DSC and bordering areas are collaborating with Uzbekistan and Afghanistan using the Automated System for Data Collection (ASDC) to share real-time information.

Widespread regional outbreaks

·         Kazakhstan: Over 921,000 hectares treated in 2025, a 90% increase from the previous year. All three species — DMA, CIT, and LMI — are present.

·         Uzbekistan: More than 397,000 hectares treated; the country also faces threats from the saxaul hopper.  Drones and over 500 ground machines have been deployed.

·         Turkmenistan: Treated land increased by 160% compared to 2024. Moroccan and non-gregarious locusts are active. For the first time, AN-2 aircraft were used for aerial spraying.

·         Afghanistan: Recorded mass egg-laying by Moroccan locusts and treated over 41,000 hectares (+2.3% YoY).

·         Kyrgyzstan: Experiencing its worst outbreak in 15–20 years. Moroccan and Italian locusts have spread across three provinces, with 67,000 hectares treated (+68%).

Cross-border cooperation in action

In 2025, regional partnerships have strengthened. Tajikistan and Afghanistan jointly surveyed 5,000 hectares on both sides of their border, successfully preventing the pest’s migration. In April, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan inspected 90,000 hectares of border zones, initiating treatment promptly.

Turkmen specialists visited Khatlon and DSC, assessing drone technology, spraying equipment, and coordination methods.  Discussions focused on environmentally safe pesticides and improving surveillance systems.

Support is being provided by FAO and JICA, including the delivery of biological agents, equipment, and training programs for local experts.

Challenges remain

Despite progress, significant challenges persist:

• Lack of pesticides and machinery, especially in remote and mountainous areas;
• Difficulty accessing and destroying egg pods in rugged terrain;
• Rapid reproduction of locusts fueled by climate extremes;
• Recurring outbreaks, despite annual preparedness efforts.

Experts warn that without additional investment and expanded intervention programs, agricultural damage will only worsen across the region.