This Article is From Jan 24, 2020

BJP MLA Enters Rajasthan Assembly With Basket Full Of Locusts. Here's Why

Locusts, known as "Tiddi Dal" in north India, is a type of grasshoppers that usually move in large numbers and devour the crops wherever they settle.

BJP MLA Enters Rajasthan Assembly With Basket Full Of Locusts. Here's Why

Eleven districts of the state are facing the worst locust attack after 26 years.

Jaipur:

In a symbolic protest, BJP MLA Bihari Lal Nokha in Rajasthan entered the state assembly carrying a basket full of locusts to draw the government's attention to the farmers whose crops have been destroyed by the insect.

Eleven districts of the state are facing the worst locust attack after 26 years.

"The farmers in the state have faced huge losses due to locust menace and the government should pay them compensation. Over seven lakh hectares of crops have been damaged," the MLA was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

"The seriousness of the government is visible in addressing the issue of locust attack in western Rajasthan that has damaged crops on lakhs of hectares of land," Mr Nokha said.

"Instead of taking the issue very seriously, the government is focused on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The farmers have suffered huge losses due to the locust attack and the government should expedite the compensation distribution process," he added.

Earlier this month, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot met the farmers of Barmer whose crops were destroyed in locust attack, the worst in about two decades.

Agriculture Secretary KS Pannu has advised farmers to not panic as the officials of the department are in constant touch with agriculture experts of Rajasthan and the Government of India, who are monitoring the situation.

Locusts, known as "Tiddi Dal" in north India, is a type of grasshoppers that usually move in large numbers and devour the crops wherever they settle. Locust attacks are being reported for the past several days in parts of Rajasthan bordering Pakistan.

(With inputs from PTI, ANI)

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