As Iran and Pakistan prepare for the spring locust breeding season, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has started strengthening the capacities of its technical staff in the two countries.

 

In Iran, locust infestations are usually found along the southeastern coastal and interior regions of the country during the spring season.

 

To prepare for the breeding season, a regional training program was conducted in FAO’s headquarters in Rome under the framework of the Commission for Control of the Desert Locust in South-West Asia (SWAC), which is FAO’’ oldest regional locust commission, DAWN reported.

 

The desert locust information officers (DLIO) play a crucial role in locust management in affected countries. They are responsible for gathering field data, analyzing it, and producing monthly bulletins that summarize the locust situation and provide forecasts to support decision-making and response.

 

It has four member countries: Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India. Since 2008, DLIS has been conducting regional workshops for the DLIOs in collaboration with locust-affected countries.

 

Keith Cressman, the FAO’s Senior Locust Forecaster, emphasized the importance of annual refresher training to ensure that locust information officers retain their knowledge and skills. He observed that these sessions help keep officers abreast with the latest advancements in locust control and management technologies.