FAO trains Central Asian technicians in locust control technology

Locust species that produce large swarms and travel long distances can damage agricultural production if outbreaks are not contained through timely, well-coordinated action. As locust infestations continue to threaten crops, rangelands and rural livelihoods across the Caucasus and Central Asia, countries are strengthening their cooperation to improve early warning and support efficient and environmentally responsible control measures.

“Migratory pests do not recognize national borders,” said Oleg Guchgeldiyev, FAO Representative in Kyrgyzstan. “FAO supports countries by strengthening technical expertise and promoting the use of appropriate technologies to protect agricultural production, rural livelihoods and ecosystems from locust outbreaks.”

Major pests in the region include the Italian locust (Calliptamus italicus), the Moroccan locust (Dociostaurus maroccanus) and the Asian migratory locust (Locusta migratoria migratoria).

Recognized worldwide as the most efficient method of locust control, ultra-low-volume (ULV) sprayers allow for the application of oil-based and ready-to-use pesticides in small droplets, at a typical rate of just 1 litre per hectare.

This technology does not require the mixing of pesticides with a large volume of water, but proper calibration of the sprayers is critical to ensuring the correct dosage. Proper use and routine maintenance, therefore, are important to achieving effective treatment while reducing risks to people and the environment, extending durability and maintaining service capacity.

To this end, a specialized training course on the safe use, maintenance and repair of ULV sprayers was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from 24 to 26 February 2026. The event was organized as part of the FAO-led Programme to Improve National and Regional Locust Management in Caucasus and Central Asia, financially supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

During the three-day training, technicians and locust experts from Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan received hands-on instruction in ULV sprayer calibration, troubleshooting, field application techniques and safety measures. The programme also included an inventory of available equipment, an identification of common technical issues met, instructions on sprayer repair and the replacement of spare parts, and recommendations for improving maintenance and durability. During practical exercises, participants were able to consolidate the knowledge they had acquired.

Theoretical portions of the training were available online for experts from other countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia.

The training was led jointly by Mahgoub Boshara, FAO Agricultural Officer (Locust Management) from the Plant Production and Protection Division at FAO headquarters in Rome, and John Clayton, Technical Director of Micron Ltd., which specializes in ULV spraying technologies.

“Well-maintained and properly calibrated ULV sprayers help to achieve better results, reduce pesticide use and limit risks to human health and the environment,” Boshara said.

FAO has supported countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia since 2011 by promoting preventive locust management focusing on surveillance, early warning and technical capacity development. In this context, the JICA-supported project continues to strengthen regional cooperation and national capacities.

Training courses such as this one in Bishkek exemplify how regional collaboration can translate into tangible improvements in early warning and better response. Through continued technical support and knowledge sharing, FAO and its partners are equipping frontline responders with the tools and expertise needed to keep locust outbreaks in check.