The Minister of Agriculture, Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh, assured this Friday that Tunisia has managed to contain the invasion of pilgrims crickets thanks to an anticipatory strategy and effective intersectoral coordination.
Intervening on the sidelines of the international symposium on aromatic and medicinal plants, organized from April 11 to 13 in Djerba, the minister said that the situation is currently under control, with 1,400 hectares already treated in the affected areas.
According to him, this success is the fruit of synergy between several departments, including those of agriculture, the interior, the defense and the local authorities. He praised the efforts of the teams deployed on the ground, especially in the governorates of the first line, which made it possible to slow down the progression of the locusts to other regions.
In Médenine, the regional agricultural development commissioner indicated that 95 hectares were treated, including 35 hectares located in the Sidi Toui nature reserve, where biological treatment has been favored in order to preserve the balance of local fauna.
He stressed that the infestation is under control at this stage, but that the vigilance remains in order. Continuous monitoring operations are underway to detect any possible resurgence and guarantee rapid intervention if necessary.
