The UN and a Sudanese ministry found earlier this month \u201csubstantial locust egg laying and hatching over a 1,000km stretch\u201d across northern provinces of Sudan.<\/p>\n
Locusts are the swarming phase of certain species of grasshoppers that can breed rapidly and become migratory when their populations become dense enough.<\/p>\n
Its adults can travel great distances consuming practically all green material wherever the swarm settles, greatly damaging crops.<\/p>\n
UN\u2019s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned of an imminent food insecurity emergency if the desert locust threat is not controlled.<\/p>\n
\u201cDesert locust swarms could ravage Sudan\u2019s spring and summer crops and pastures this year if urgent locust control measures are not implemented\u201d, part of a statement read.<\/p>\n
Urgent actions are being launched by the Sudanese Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) to control the insects before they can become immature flying locusts, FAO said.<\/p>\n
The agency has reportedly mobilized $1 million to assist the Sudanese government in controlling the threat in northern Sudan.<\/p>\n
According to a joint mission by MoA and FAO, the areas most threatened by locust in Sudan range from Wadi Halfa in Northern State to Atbara in River Nile State.<\/p>\n
Photo: Location of desert locust bands in northern states of Sudan (FAO) -OCHA report<\/em><\/p>\n