Fact Check: The Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan reported that locusts were present on nearly 76,000 hectares of agricultural land, which is two-thirds of the surveyed 114,000 hectares, as of August 2023.

Fact Check: "The Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan reported that locusts were present on nearly 76,000 hectares of agricultural land, which is two-thirds of the surveyed 114,000 hectares, as of August 2023."

What We Know

The claim states that the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan reported locust infestations affecting nearly 76,000 hectares of agricultural land as of August 2023. According to a locust bulletin published on August 18, 2023, there was indeed a cautionary forecast for locusts in Kyrgyzstan, indicating significant concern regarding locust populations. However, the specific figures of 76,000 hectares and the total surveyed area of 114,000 hectares were not confirmed in this bulletin.

Additionally, a country report by GWP discusses various aspects of Kyrgyzstan's agricultural challenges but does not provide specific data on locust infestations. The FAO has also been active in supporting Kyrgyzstan's efforts to combat locusts, indicating ongoing monitoring and control measures, but again does not specify the exact figures mentioned in the claim.

Analysis

The claim relies on data that appears to be unverified by multiple reputable sources. While the locust bulletin indicates a significant locust presence in the region, it does not provide the exact figures of 76,000 hectares or the total surveyed area of 114,000 hectares. The absence of these specific figures in the available reports raises questions about the accuracy of the claim.

The sources that discuss locust management in Kyrgyzstan, including the FAO's involvement, focus on the broader context of locust threats and control measures rather than providing precise statistics on the extent of infestations. The FAO's reports emphasize the importance of monitoring and early response but do not confirm the specific numbers cited in the claim.

Furthermore, the reliability of the sources is mixed. The FAO is a credible organization with a strong track record in agricultural support, while the GWP report provides useful context but lacks specific data on locusts. The locust bulletin is timely and relevant but does not corroborate the claim's specifics.

Conclusion

Needs Research: The claim that locusts were present on nearly 76,000 hectares of agricultural land in Kyrgyzstan, representing two-thirds of the surveyed area, lacks verification from multiple credible sources. While there is evidence of locust concerns in the region, the specific figures mentioned in the claim are not substantiated by the available data. Further investigation and confirmation from official reports or statements from the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan are needed to validate this claim.

Sources

1. Kyrgyzstan Urges Regional Unity to Combat Major Locust Outbreak
2. Locusts in Caucasus and Central Asia
3. Republic of Kyrgyzstan - Country Report - GWP
4. FAO provided special vehicle to Kyrgyzstan for locust control
5. With the support of FAO, Kyrgyzstan is actively improving ...
6. Kyrgyzstan treats nearly 45000 hectares to eradicate locust ...
7. Kyrgyzstan Reports Increase in Irrigation Water Supply
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