LOCUSTS DESTROY BAMBOO FORESTS, CORN FIELDS IN VIETNAM

A locust invasion from China and Laos swarmed across parts of Sơn La, Điện Biên, Bắc Kạn, Cao Bằng, Lạng Sơn, Phú Thọ, Quảng Ninh and Thanh Hóa provinces, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), the Vietnam news agency (VNA) reported.

The insects have been making an appearance since early June, moving from Laos to Thanh Hóa province. From July 20, they migrated from China to Điện Biên Province, affecting 60 hectares of crops but they returned to China on July 23.

All told, these locusts destroyed 277 hectares of bamboo forests and corn fields.

MARD has directed the Plant Protection Department together with localities to regularly monitor the situation to take preventive measures. Provinces which border Laos and China were required to continue coordinating with neighboring countries to gain information for prevention of the swarm.