Locust swarms in eastern Rhodope prefecture are causing huge problems.

The insects have now grown in size and devour all young and tender sapling they come across, mainly young cotton plants that are currently still growing.

According to farmers from the area of Askites of the Municipality of Maronia-Sapes, as roinews.gr points out, in many cases the destruction is total as when insects mature they have “weapons” to fight it with.

Local authorities are aware of the issue, but unfortunately the locust damage is not compensated by agricultural compensation organization ELGA, as a result of which they are at an impasse since this is a good year for cotton with very high prices, despite the high production costs.

Competent bodies should do their utmost to deal with the issue note farmers, and the state should compensate them. The state should inform other farmers, not yet affected, urgently, since if locusts appear it will already be too late.

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