Kazakhstan's Turkestan Region Launches Massive Anti-Locust Campaign

The Turkestan Region is launching a major campaign to control locust outbreaks. Authorities have divided the area into 65 sectors, each with its own task force to tackle the problem before it spreads. Last year, over 150,000 hectares of farmland were treated at a cost of more than half a billion tenge. Twelve An-2 aircraft were used in 2025 as part of the effort, according to reports from Kazakhstan's agriculture ministry.

This year, early detection remains a key focus, with chemical treatments working best in early April. Over 2,000 hectares have already been plowed to cut breeding risks by nearly half. By 2026, tens of thousands more hectares in high-risk districts will be treated. More than 2,000 specialists and workers will take part in the campaign. They will use over 400 sprayers, aircraft, and modern drones to cover the affected areas. The region also plans to update its list of approved chemicals and tighten environmental safety rules. Weekly meetings are now held to monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed.

The campaign aims to prevent widespread crop damage by targeting locusts early. With expanded resources and stricter safety measures, officials expect better control over future outbreaks. The effort builds on last year's large-scale treatment of farmland across the region.