Between June 10 and 13, Kyrgyzstan conducted a national trial of biological pesticides in the northern Chuy region, marking a step forward in the country’s push toward environmentally responsible locust management. The trial was led by the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and FAO’s own resources.
The initiative is part of the broader “Programme to Improve National and Regional Locust Management in the Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA),” which aims to shift countries away from reliance on chemical pesticides.
According to the FAO, biopesticides, particularly those using the Metarhizium acridum fungus, are emerging as an effective, selective alternative to chemical treatments. These biological agents target locusts and grasshoppers without harming humans or non-target species such as pollinators, birds, and aquatic life.
Kyrgyzstan regularly faces locust threats from two species: the Moroccan locust and the Italian locust. Both are capable of rapid reproduction and forming large swarms that can severely damage crops and pastures.
“Biological pesticides offer a safer alternative for controlling locusts before they reach crisis levels,” said Oleg Guchgeldiyev, FAO Representative in Kyrgyzstan. “They are especially useful for fragile ecosystems. Continued testing will enhance scientific and technical capacity, paving the way for a more resilient agricultural sector.”
Field trials are a critical step toward integrating biopesticides into national locust control strategies.
The urgency of the initiative is underscored by recent government data. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the Ministry of Agriculture surveyed 114,000 hectares earlier this month and found locusts present on nearly two-thirds of the land. More than 74,000 hectares have already been treated with pesticides. The infestation has been particularly severe in southern regions, where early harvest cycles and warm temperatures create ideal conditions for locust breeding.
By embracing biopesticides, Kyrgyzstan hopes to reduce environmental risks while maintaining effective pest control, balancing agricultural productivity with ecological responsibility.
