Kazakhstan Treats 2 Million Hectares Against Locusts Amid Ongoing Monitoring Efforts

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Kazakhstan has successfully treated 2 million hectares of agricultural land as part of a nationwide campaign to combat locust infestations, the Ministry of Agriculture reported this week. The operation is part of the country’s proactive pest control strategy to protect crops and maintain agricultural productivity.

A total of 443 specialized spraying units, including 49 drones, have been deployed across affected regions. These efforts are being supported by more than 3,500 field specialists conducting locust surveys and assessments to ensure timely and targeted interventions.

Operational headquarters led by deputy akims (regional governors) are overseeing the locust control measures in various regions. In addition to inland activities, monitoring has intensified in Kazakhstan’s border areas to prevent the spread of pests to neighboring countries.

From June 2 to 6, joint field surveys were carried out with specialists from Kyrgyzstan in shared border regions. Similarly, collaborative efforts with Chinese experts took place from June 9 to 13. The Ministry confirmed that border zones with Russia and Uzbekistan are also under regular observation, and no locust outbreaks have been identified in those areas to date.

The Ministry of Agriculture had previously announced plans to treat 2.1 million hectares of land during the 2025 locust season. As of now, authorities confirm that no damage to agricultural crops has been reported, indicating the effectiveness of the early response and monitoring systems.

With protective work continuing as scheduled, the Ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector from locust threats through coordinated, multi-agency action and international cooperation.