Israel experiences worst locust infestation in 98 years

Israel is experiencing the worst locust plague in 98 years, with billions of locusts having descended on the southern desert.

As billions of desert locusts, which are scientifically known as Schistocerca Gregaria, are moving across Southern Israel and destroying all that is green in their path, agriculturalists fear that they may devour all the crops.

Crop dusters and farmers armed with chemical laced pesticides are hitting them hard but that may not stop them altogether

Right now the locusts are in the crawl stage. When they reach full adulthood and fly, they will cause much greater damage.

The potential damage is estimated millions of dollars worth.

The plague started in March when swarms flew across the border from Egypt and the situation is going worse.

"We don't really know what we're up against but we're trying our best to work with the farmers, aiding the farmers both taking care of the surroundings of their crops and aiding them in terms of spraying and supplying pesticides," said Dr. Yoav Motro with te Ministry of Agriculture.

But organic farmers barred from using chemicals and lacking necessary funds to buy the hundred dollars per liter organic pesticides are being hit hardest.

"I'm so frustrated in the last few days that I felt like I'm in a war I can't win. It's like... I don't know what to do anymore," said Ben Boadana, one of the local organic farmers.

Agriculturalists joke that they may ultimately resort to selling the locusts as protein snacks.


AP