The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR) has issued a state of alert over an invasion of locust swarms in some parts of the Hardap Region. 

The ministry in an alert notice urged farmers to do surveillance in affected areas and to immediately report locust swarms to the nearest Agriculture Development Center of the Chief Agricultural Officer. 

It underscored that early reporting is important, advising farmers that spraying hoppers – young locusts – is easier and cheaper. 

Additionally, it encouraged farmers to protect the environment and livestock during spraying locust swarms and to store pesticides safely and securely. 

The ministry reminded farmers to remove livestock from sprayed areas to avoid contamination. 

The ministry's public relations officer, Romeo Muyunda, said an area measuring about 200-300 square kilometres has been affected by the locust invasion.