Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan continues to take active measures to monitor and combat locust infestations, according to the Agency for Plant Quarantine and Protection.

To date, pest population surveys have covered 885.9 thousand hectares across the country, with locust presence confirmed on 524.9 thousand hectares. Chemical treatment has already been carried out on 515.8 thousand hectares of the infested land.

The primary focus of operations is in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, as well as in the Jizzakh, Syrdarya, Andijan, Navoi, and Tashkent regions, where specialists are treating areas affected by the desert locust species known as Calliptamus italicus (commonly referred to locally as the saxaul hump-backed locust).

In several other regions — including Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, Samarkand, Namangan, Fergana, Khorezm, and Bukhara — the main outbreak zones have already been localized and eliminated.

The Locust and Mulberry Moth Control Service operates around the clock. Chemical treatments are primarily conducted in the early morning and evening hours, when environmental conditions are most favorable for pesticide application. During the daytime, monitoring and data collection on pest migration continue.

Residents who detect locust activity are encouraged to report it via the short number 1288 or by calling (71) 202−10−00. The Agency emphasizes that all control measures, including pesticide use and treatment operations, are provided free of charge.

According to forecasts, in 2025, the potential area affected by locusts in Uzbekistan could exceed 608 thousand hectares.