ISLAMABAD, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Locust attack is feared to badly affect the agriculture sector in Pakistan's southern Sindh province if not tackled on urgent basis, local media reported Tuesday.

Locust eggs are estimated to be spread on an area of around 2.5 million acres in the desert regions, and the provincial government has so far only managed to spray insecticide on only 18,000 acres of land, rising the threat of locust plague in the province and in adjoining areas, the Express Tribune quoted Agriculture Minister of Sindh Muhammad Ismail Rahoo as saying.

He added that locusts are feared to attack seven districts of the province and currently, the army and paramilitary troops are assisting the teams of provincial government officials to spray pesticides in one of the districts.

Rahoo also said that a spell of rain is expected in the desert region, which is feared to create a favorable atmosphere for locusts, triggering their rapid growth, and making it disastrous for the crops.

He said that the provincial government has sought help from China and the federal government to help them in controlling locusts. Enditem

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