Locust infestations pose a serious threat to crops, rangelands, and rural livelihoods across the Caucasus and Central Asia, as migratory pests can travel long distances and cross national borders. Effective management requires timely, well-coordinated action, combining early warning systems with environmentally responsible control measures. FAO is supporting countries in the region by strengthening technical expertise and promoting the use of advanced technologies to protect agriculture, rural communities, and ecosystems from locust damage.
The region is primarily affected by major pests such as the Italian locust, the Moroccan locust, and the Asian migratory locust. One of the most efficient control methods is the use of ultra-low-volume (ULV) sprayers, which apply oil-based or ready-to-use pesticides in small droplets, typically at a rate of just one litre per hectare. ULV sprayers do not require large volumes of water, but proper calibration, routine maintenance, and correct usage are essential to ensure effective treatment, minimize environmental risks, and maintain the equipment’s durability.
To enhance regional capacities, FAO organized a specialized training course on the safe use, maintenance, and repair of ULV sprayers in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from 24 to 26 February 2026. This three-day course, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the FAO-led Programme to Improve National and Regional Locust Management, brought together technicians and locust experts from Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Participants received hands-on instruction in sprayer calibration, troubleshooting, field application techniques, and safety measures. The training also included equipment inventory, identification of common technical issues, sprayer repairs, and recommendations for maintenance and durability, reinforced through practical exercises. Theoretical components were made available online to experts from other countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia.
The training was led jointly by FAO’s Mahgoub Boshara and John Clayton, Technical Director of Micron Ltd., a specialist in ULV spraying technologies. Properly maintained and calibrated sprayers help reduce pesticide use, improve effectiveness, and limit risks to human health and the environment, emphasizing the importance of technical proficiency among frontline responders.
Since 2011, FAO has promoted preventive locust management in the Caucasus and Central Asia, focusing on surveillance, early warning, and capacity building. The recent Bishkek training demonstrates how regional collaboration and knowledge sharing can translate into stronger national and regional capacities, equipping technicians and experts with the tools and expertise needed to control locust outbreaks effectively and safeguard agricultural production and rural livelihoods.
