Gov steps up locust preparedness in the South

Acting on instructions from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb chaired an inter-ministerial meeting on Saturday to assess the readiness of the preventive action plan aimed at containing the spread of desert locusts in several southwestern provinces, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office.

The meeting, held via videoconference with the concerned governors, is part of ongoing efforts to monitor locust risks in line with updates from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and by using national satellite capabilities.

Presentations highlighted the preparedness of field action plans, which proved effective last year. Authorities have also stepped up monitoring systems in southern border provinces  considered the first line of defense  and strengthened ground and air intervention resources, particularly those of the Ministry of National Defense.