#locusts attack india

[fpotci01]

FPO Platforms in India: Transforming Agricultural Supply Chains

Agriculture is the backbone of India, employing a significant portion of the population. However, small and marginal farmers often face challenges like limited market access, high input costs, and inefficiencies in supply chains. Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have emerged as a solution to these challenges, and with the advent of digital FPO platforms, their impact has amplified significantly.

This blog explores how FPO platforms are transforming agricultural supply chains in India, benefiting farmers and ensuring a more efficient and equitable system.

What Are FPO Platforms?

FPO platforms are digital tools or ecosystems that enable Farmer Producer Organizations to streamline their operations, connect with markets, and access resources. These platforms act as a bridge between farmers, buyers, input suppliers, and financial institutions, fostering transparency and efficiency in agricultural supply chains.

Challenges in Traditional Agricultural Supply Chains

Before the integration of FPO platforms, the agricultural supply chain in India faced several issues:

1. Dependence on Middlemen

Farmers often had to rely on intermediaries to sell their produce, leading to lower earnings.

2. Limited Market Access

Small farmers struggled to access larger markets due to logistical and informational barriers.

3. High Input Costs

Purchasing seeds, fertilizers, and equipment individually increased costs for farmers.

4. Lack of Transparency

Pricing and demand trends were often opaque, leaving farmers at a disadvantage.

5. Inefficient Logistics

Poor transportation and storage infrastructure led to significant post-harvest losses.

How FPO Platforms Are Transforming Supply Chains

1. Streamlining Input Procurement

FPO platforms enable bulk procurement of agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and machinery. By aggregating demand from member farmers, FPOs can negotiate better prices and ensure timely delivery.

Example:

An FPO in Punjab uses a digital platform to procure organic fertilizers in bulk, reducing costs for its members by 30%.

2. Market Linkages and Price Discovery

FPO platforms connect farmers directly with buyers, including wholesalers, retailers, and exporters. Real-time price discovery tools help farmers get fair prices for their produce.

Example:

A digital FPO platform in Maharashtra helped farmers sell mangoes directly to international buyers, bypassing intermediaries and increasing their income.

3. Efficient Logistics and Storage Solutions

Some FPO platforms offer integrated logistics services, including transportation and warehousing. This reduces post-harvest losses and ensures that produce reaches markets in optimal condition.

Example:

An FPO in Karnataka partnered with a platform offering cold storage facilities, preserving perishable produce and extending its marketability.

4. Access to Financial Services

Many platforms integrate with financial institutions, enabling FPOs to secure loans, insurance, and subsidies. Digital tools also help track expenses and manage finances effectively.

Example:

Through an FPO platform, a farmer group in Tamil Nadu accessed crop insurance, protecting them from unexpected losses due to extreme weather.

5. Real-Time Data and Insights

FPO platforms provide valuable data on weather forecasts, market trends, and pest outbreaks. This helps farmers make informed decisions, improving productivity and profitability.

Example:

A platform in Rajasthan alerted farmers about an impending locust attack, enabling them to take preventive measures and save their crops.

6. Promoting Sustainable Practices

FPO platforms often include modules on sustainable farming practices, encouraging crop diversification, organic farming, and water conservation.

Example:

An FPO in Gujarat used a platform to train its members in organic farming, tapping into the growing demand for organic produce.

Success Stories of FPO Platforms

Case 1: Connecting Small Farmers to Export Markets

An FPO in Andhra Pradesh partnered with a digital platform to export high-quality rice to global markets. The platform facilitated quality control, certification, and logistics, enabling the farmers to earn premium prices.

Case 2: Reducing Input Costs in Bihar

A Bihar-based FPO used an interactive platform to bulk-purchase seeds and fertilizers, reducing input costs by 25% for its members.

Case 3: Empowering Women Farmers in Tamil Nadu

A women-led FPO in Tamil Nadu leveraged a digital platform to market their hand-crafted spices and pickles. The platform provided branding and e-commerce support, increasing their reach and income.

Government and Institutional Support for FPO Platforms

The Indian government and organizations like NABARD are actively promoting the use of FPO platforms to enhance agricultural supply chains.

Key Initiatives:

NABARD FPO Portal: Provides a centralized hub for financial and technical assistance.

Digital India Program: Encourages the adoption of technology in agriculture.

FPO Hub and FPO Platform for India: Dedicated platforms to support the growth and development of FPOs.

Benefits of FPO Platforms

For Farmers:

Better Prices: Access to markets and real-time price data ensures fair compensation.

Lower Costs: Bulk procurement and resource optimization reduce expenses.

Knowledge Access: Training modules and data insights empower farmers with modern practices.

For Buyers:

Reliable Supply: Platforms ensure consistent quality and quantity of produce.

Transparency: Direct dealings with FPOs eliminate intermediaries and enhance trust.

For the Economy:

Reduced Wastage: Improved logistics minimize post-harvest losses.

Sustainable Growth: Promoting eco-friendly practices benefits the environment and future generations.

Challenges in Scaling FPO Platforms

Despite their potential, FPO platforms face some challenges:

Digital Divide: Limited internet access and digital literacy in rural areas hinder adoption.

Initial Costs: High setup and subscription costs can be a barrier for small FPOs.

Trust Issues: Farmers may be hesitant to adopt new technologies without proven results.

The Future of FPO Platforms in India

As technology continues to advance, FPO platforms are expected to become more sophisticated and accessible. Emerging trends include:

AI and Machine Learning: Predictive analytics for crop planning and market trends.

Blockchain Technology: Ensuring transparency and traceability in supply chains.

Mobile-First Platforms: Designing tools optimized for smartphone users in rural areas.

Conclusion

FPO platforms are revolutionizing agricultural supply chains in India by empowering farmers, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring fair market practices. By leveraging technology, these platforms address long-standing challenges in Indian agriculture, creating a more inclusive and sustainable system.

As FPO platforms continue to evolve, they hold the promise of transforming India’s agricultural landscape, ensuring prosperity for farmers and a robust supply chain for the nation. For farmers and stakeholders, embracing these platforms is not just an option—it’s a necessity for future growth. For more information, visit: https://fpo.tci.cornell.edu/

[arjaandsimoni]

Revenge of the Rakshasa Prince

Actually very recently…

Isolde’s Toy Kingdom, Arcadia

Isolde was in another sulk. Something was keeping her bestie hidden from her, no matter what she tried she couldn’t figure out where that little runaway had gotten to.

“Grrr… I don’t wanna get a new bestie, I’d just finished breaking that one in…” she grumbled, snatching up the juice box her doll brought her and sucking it down angrily. It was made of hedge fruits and the dreams of children on Christmas eve of what the morrow would bring, though it really just tasted like fruit punch.

She looked up as she felt something… off. Someone was in her castle, someone uninvited.

Suddenly, the doors to her throne room were kicked open and the thing Isolde loathed most walked in: a grown up!

She sat up in her chair and gritted her teeth, recognizing them immediately. The hair, the outfit, all of it. “YOU! HOW DARE YOU INVADE MY LANDS! TOYS! KILL TH…” she began, then paused and looked closer, squinting at the newcomer, “Wait… no… its…” she sat back, looking genuinely shocked now. “YOU?!”

“Aye, ‘s right.” grinned the newcomer. “How’ve ye been cous?” she asked.

Isolde frowned, “I’m quite well, no thanks to YOU! Where have you been all these centuries?! Do you have any idea the trouble you caused for us?!” she demanded.

The newcomer sighed, “Aye aye… look, ah didn’t tell ‘em ta make th’ bloody thing. Feck I tried ta talk ‘em outta it! Moot point anyways, its all busted now.”

Isolde sniffed, sitting cross legged in her throne, her arms folded over her chest, “… and? Why should I care what happened to that stupid, ugly thing anyways?”

“Because that’s what th’ decision was aye? ‘No contact with th’ traitor clan will be permitted as long as th’ blade endures.’ No blade, no ban.” she replied, “Now stop bein’ a wee brat Isolde. We’re needed, got shite ta be doin’.”

Isolde let out a ‘hmph’ and turned her head away with her eyes closed, “Not. My. Problem! The Tuatha de Dannan were disbanded ages ago. What do I care about the pacts and decisions they made?”

The newcomer glanced at the TV one of her dolls was holding, then reached over and turned it on, flipping through channels (which actually showed different parts of the mundane world) until she found the right one, then pointed to it.

“That’s why.” she said pointedly.

Isolde stared at the screen, seeing what was happening. “… and?” she asked, “So some chunk of India will be under attack by a monster. What concern is this of mine? We don’t bother with India.”

“Because, ye wee brat, if ‘e gets back inta power, ‘e won’t stop at just India. Those buggers are ravenous as locusts. They’ll tear up th’ land until there’s nothin’ left, ‘n then they’ll spread out from there. Eventually, they’ll even reach th’ west. If th’ King reclaims ‘is power, there’ll be nobody left fer ye ta play with… do ye want that again?” she asked, “Well, Izzy?”

Isolde shuddered, her eyes suddenly going wide as she gripped her head. Those memories were long buried, but of course this one would know all about gathering intelligence on a target. “STOP! STOP STOP STOP! LEAVE THAT ALONE! THOSE ARE PRIVATE!” she shouted.

“Well?” asked the newcomer, tapping her foot on the floor.

Isolde sighed, “FINE! I’ll… I’ll help… but it’ll take four of us!” she warned, “One for each!”

“Ye just leave that ta me.” she smirked, turning to go, “Just be ready when I call ye.”

A few days later, a movie theater in downtown London.

Claire grinned, chewing away on her popcorn as the crowd around her shrieked and shivered. On the screen a young girl played with a stuffed bear she called Chauncey, but the game they were playing was decidedly sinister in nature… downright disturbing really. She was dressed seemingly normal, in a black teeshirt, leather jacket, jeans, and biker boots with a sturdy choker around her neck.

She paused to breathe in deep, then smirked. Mortals who wanted to be scared, who sought out things that frightened them. What a wonderful discovery.

She looked up as someone sat down in the seat next to her, then whispered, “Enjoyin’ yerself?”

Claire cocked her head at her, then whispered back, “Do I know you?”

The newcomer grinned, “Aye, ye do… think hard now…” she nodded.

Claire focused, then raised her eyebrows, “Oh… you. It has been quite a while, hasn’t it?”

The newcomer nodded, “Aye… er… sorry ‘bout th’ lads chuckin’ ye in Inishmore… no hard feelin’s?” she asked.

The Dullahan sighed, “Pointless. Inishmore is destroyed. I try not to think too much about the past.” she replied.

“Aye, well how ‘bout th’ future then? Th’ near future.” she nodded, pulling out a smartphone and opening a still image. It was a bit odd, it showed a shipping dock on an island in what looked like India… but there was a sort of image superimposed over it, showing a giant standing in the bay, but not entirely real… or perhaps not real yet.

The Dullahan looked at it, then at her, then back at it, then sighed, “And you want to do… what… that rite?” she asked.

“Aye, caught on quick did ye?” she grinned.

Claire shrugged, “It wasn’t hard, that thing is gigantic, we’d have to be just as big to fight it… that’s the only way I know of.”

“Aye, well, ye in or out?” she asked.

Claire nodded, “I’m in, it’ll make for an interesting day at least.”

“Good, just be ready when I call ye.” she nodded, then added, “Er… why th’ popcorn though? Ye dunnae need ta eat.” she pointed out. Dullahan were about as close to undead as some fae got. They subsisted on glamour alone normally.

“I find the texture pleasing…” replied Claire.

The newcomer shrugged, then got up and walked out of the theater as the Dullahan grinned at a particularly well timed jumpscare startling the audience, soaking up their fear as it did.

The next day, Champs de Nedge, Arcadia

Two guards stood outside of Lady Sera’s castle, as they always did.

“Bit nipply today eh?” asked the one on the left.

The one on the right sighed, “Congratulations Timothy, this makes the five hundredth time you’ve asked me that joke.”

“Cor… really? Do I win a prize?” asked the first guard.

“Aye, and here it is!” replied the second, smacking him on the head with his lance!

“OW! What kinda prize is that?” he asked.

“Booby prize, now shut yer gob. Someone’s coming.”

Through the snow what appeared to be a young woman trudged, heading towards the gates. As she drew close the guards slammed their lances together infront of her, making an X before the door.

“WHO GOES THERE!” demanded the guard on the right.

“Out with it lady! We ain’t got all day!” said the one on the left.

The newcomer looked between them, then said, “Lads, ye sure ye wanna pull that stunt… with me?” she grinned.

The two squinted at her, then immediately withdrew their lances and bowed low. “OH! B-beggin’ yer pardon yer ladyship!” sputtered the guard on the left.

“Aye! Deepest apologies! Didn’t recognize you under who you’re wearing! She’s right straight ahead in the throne room!” added the one on the right.

The newcomer laughed, “Good lads, you’ll go far here. Now just stay put and make sure nobody steals the gate, aye?” she smirked, walking inside and through the castle.

Eventually she stood before Lady Sera, the Queen of the Icebound Heart sitting regal on her throne.

“Ah, its you. I was wondering when you’d arrive.” nodded the winter fae.

“Aye, so… dunno if ye know whats goin’ on but…” began the newcomer, but Lady Sera held up a hand.

“Yes, my children have become involved. I will join your efforts.” she replied.

The newcomer hesitated. “… just like that? Dun even need ta explain it?” she asked, sounding suspicious.

Lady Sera breathed in, “… my daughter has told me that protecting one’s children from those who would threaten them is part of being a mother. I can hardly ignore a threat of this scale, now can I?” she asked.

The newcomer shrugged, “Aye, suppose ye cannae. Very well, th’ other two are all set. Just come when I call ye ‘n we’ll sort ‘im out right proper.” she nodded, turning on her heel and leaving.

“Wait… if I may ask… why only come to us now Morrigan?” she asked.

The newcomer stopped, glancing behind her, “ ‘cause I buggered up, ‘n this is how I fix it.” she nodded.

Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka

Indrajit laughed in triumph, looking out at the giant rakshasa standing in the bay. “TREMBLE AND WEEP SCION OF HANUMAN!” laughed Indrajit, “FOR KING RAVANA ONCE MORE WALKS THE LAND!”

Arja grimaced, her eyes wide. She could feel Ravana’s power from here, waves upon waves of it. The sensation was akin to being an ant looking upon the face of a human about to step on them. Ravana was powerful beyond reason and logic, even Carman hadn’t been this awful! He wasn’t even a foe! He was a force of nature itself! They may as well try to stop a hurricane!

Simoni clawed anxiously at the ground, still in her garuda form, “What are we gonna do?” she whispered to Arja.

Arja shuddered, “I… I don’t know… he’s… I have no idea! I don’t know of ANYTHING that can fight something like that! No wonder Rama used a mundane blade!”

Suddenly, a voice echoed out, so loud that Arja fell to her knees with her hands over her ears and Simoni had to change back to do likewise, Dawn hissing and folding her own ears back.

WHAT IS THIS? WHAT HAS BECOME OF MY HOME? THESE MORTAL MEN SCURRY ABOUT MY LAND LIKE INSECTS… WHERE IS MY CASTLE? WHERE ARE MY SUBJECTS?

The voice of Ravana echoed throughout the island, all around them they heard people wailing and panicking, several of the older or weaker ones even fainting or being struck deaf or dead outright from his voice!

“FATHER!” cried Indrajit, “It was the work of that coward Rama! He used a horrible weapon to imprison you, but I destroyed it! You are free once more!”

The heads of the giant turned towards them…

AH, YES, I REMEMBER NOW. THAT STRANGE ARROW HE HAD… IT STRUCK ME IN THE CHEST, THEN I REMEMBER NOTHING AT ALL. HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN?

“Too long father! Centuries! Let us rebuild your kingdom together, then we will bring all of India to heel under your glory once more!” replied Indrajit, rushing past Arja and Simoni as he ran towards the docks.

The two girls got to their feet, rubbing their ears, “Y-you said Morrigan had a plan?” asked Simoni.

Arja nodded, “That’s what King Hanuman told me…” she replied.

“Better be a good one.” nodded the garuda as she bent down and let Arja onto her back, flying off in pursuit of the rakshasa prince.

When they landed they found Nelen and the others a bit injured, but otherwise well. By now it was nighttime and Natasha, Nicu, and Tex had joined them… but right now the rakshasa weren’t paying attention to them. All of them on the docks were facing towards Ravana and kneeling, their heads bowed.

“Guys! Are you alright?!” asked Simoni as she landed.

“Yeah…” sighed Nelen, rubbing a sore spot on his arm, “Guess you couldn’t stop him huh?” he asked.

“Yeah yeah well no point in dwelling on it…” hissed Dawn, “How do we deal with THAT?! Unless one of us can pull a freakin’ megazord out of our asses I don’t think we’re going to!”

Sammi frowned, his rapier stained with rakshasa blood and his shirtsleeve torn, “That is an excellent question Dawn… I must admit I’m at a loss.”

“Yeah… me too…” whined Stephy as he stayed close to Tex, “I mean… that thing shouldn’t even be able to exist in this reality! How is it doing this?!”

“Sri Lanka.” replied Nelen. “Its Ravana’s former kingdom, something about the land remembers him and anchors him enough to stay… otherwise he’d need an avatar or something.”

“Aye, useful things, them avatars.” said a voice from behind him.

Nelen nodded, then his brain caught up with what he’d heard as he looked behind him. Standing there was a familiar person wearing baggy cargo pants with extra pockets, a black tank top over a chest binder, a pair of sturdy boots, and a long two-handed sword strapped to her back in a scabbard. They had bright red hair cropped short, and their body was spotted with scars here and there, a grin on their face. “Wait… LOREN?!" he exclaimed, "When the hell did you get here?! Is Clan Fullmoon coming too?”

Loren grinned at him, “Ooo, good guess, wrong though…” she smirked.

Sammi however took a quick step back from her, “Nelen… that is NOT who you think it is…” he said, almost awestruck.

Nelen looked between them, then glanced at Loren again, “Hang on, something about you does feel… off…” he muttered.

Loren grinned, “C’mon boyo, yer cleverer ‘n that… think… did ye just think ‘Th’ Maven’s Avatar’ was a fancy title?”

Nelen’s jaw fell open, “You’re… Morrigan?!”

She nodded, “Aye, knew we’d get there in th’ end. Dunnae worry, Loren is all in on this ‘un. After th’ mess with th’ manticore we knew shite was about ta hit th’ fan, so I had a wee chat with ‘er ‘n she’s lettin’ me borrow her body so we can do this.”

Simoni cocked her head, “We?”

There was a cracking noise, and two trees nearby bent towards each other, forming a natural arch… and through it suddenly was a swirl of glamour, and then the briars of the hedge, and three people walked out.

… at least, people shaped beings.

“Oh bloody hell, its mother…” whispered Sammi as Lady Sera strode out into the docks, looking around with distaste as if she’d just stepped in something.

“Hmph, I see you were not exaggerating the climate here Samuel… this is rather disgusting.” she frowned, her lip curling in distaste.

Next came someone none of them recognized, a woman in a black top, jeans, and biker boots with a sturdy black choker around her neck. She breathed in, and grinned wide, “Oh everyone in this town is terrified. What a feast!” she laughed.

Finally however emerged someone much smaller, someone who caused most of them to cry out in alarm. Sammi immediately drew his rapier as Nelen reached into his bag, Dawn hissing angrily.

Isolde, the Everblooming Rose, emerged and frowned at them. “UGH! THESE ONES?! This is who we’re saving?! Morrigan you jerk! If you’d told me it was them I’d have never come!” she shouted, stomping her foot angrily.

“Aye, ‘s why I didn’t tell ye.” grinned Morrigan. “ ‘sides, remember wut I did tell ye.”

Isolde took a deep breath, then stared at Stephy and stomped right up to him, her dress flouncing around her as she did. “Stephen Fullmoon. You are a HORRIBLE. WICKED. NASTY. TOY-BREAKING. FRIEND-STEALING. GIFT-REJECTING. BOY… and ONE day I will get repayment for every single time you’ve wronged me!” she snapped, then sighed, “BUT! If Ravana is allowed to do as he likes… this world just won’t be fun anymore…” she shrugged. “So, for now, you are safe from me.” she nodded.

Stephy was half-hidden behind Sammi, who had his rapier at the ready. Isolde looked at it, then she just rolled her eyes and walked away to a more open area of the docks. “WELL?! Are we going to do this or NOT Morrigan?!”

Sera and Claire walked towards her as Morrigan looked back at them, “Look, ye lot deal with Indrajit. We got Ravana, we just… need to pool our resources as it were.” she winked.

Then she went off to join the others… and as she did Ravana’s voice echoed again.

SO. THESE MORTALS HAVE TORN DOWN MY PALACE OF OLD, REPLACING IT WITH THEIR DISGUSTING HIVES? HMPH, TOO BIG A BOTHER TO PULL DOWN ONE AT A TIME…

The rakshasa king raised his hands above him, and they began to crackle with energy, and the water around his legs began to churn.

A GOOD EARTHQUAKE OUGHT TO CLEAR THEM OUT.

The others readied their weapons and spells as Simoni looked over, “Whatever they’re doing, they better hurry it up!” she whined.

Nearby, the three faeries and the goddess stood in a circle. They each took a deep breath, and then clasped their hands together.

“I am Isolde, Everblooming Rose, and I stand for Spring and all that blooms and grows.” intoned Isolde, and an unseen breeze swirled around her, raising a flurry of flower petals.

“I be Morrigan, Maven of War, ‘n I stand fer Summer ‘n all that burns hot in th’ land ‘n in th’ heart.” spoke Morrigan, and as if an invisible hand had lit a ring of gasoline around her legs, flames swirled up around her body!

“I am Claire, Dullahan Knight, and I stand for Autumn and for all that feel the chill of cold nights, long shadows, and creeping terror.” spoke Claire, and around her body a cloud of dry autumn leaves seemed to come from nowhere, swirling around her as she spoke.

“I am Sera, of the Icebound Heart, and I stand for Winter and for the ice without and within.” she spoke, and a swirl of frost erupted around her form as well.

Then, they all spoke in unison. “Let four be made one. Let the seasons become the wheel. We become the world, and the world stands against this foe!”

Then, they all seemed to break apart into the flower petals, autumn leaves, flames, and frost that surrounded them, the four symbols of the elements surging upwards into the sky as if to join together, forming a sphere of swirling magic and glamour in the sky.

This gave Ravana pause, the king releasing his spell before he finished it and looking over.

WHAT IS THIS? WHAT IS HAPPENING ON MY LAND INDRAJIT?

Indrajit scowled, staring at the sphere as it began to grow larger, and brighter, almost as if something was growing within it. “Father, I don’t know! I have never seen anything like this!” he called back.

The sphere grew bigger, and bigger, until it was the size of a building, and then it shattered and from within, and a pair of massive feet landed on the ground as a woman stood there, easily as tall as Ravana was! She had Isolde’s black hair, Morrigan’s green eyes, Sera’s face, and the powerful frame of Claire. She wore a leather shirt and a pair of leggings with boots and hovering behind her was a huge wheel, supported by seemingly nothing at all, with twelve spokes in it.

She glanced over at the group, then snapped her fingers.

WE ALMOST FORGOT…

It almost sounded like she chuckled, but she pointed at Aisha and gestured, and Claiomh Solias flew from its sheath towards her, becoming larger as it went! When she caught it the sword had become gigantic, but just the right size for her to wield it.

WHAT IS THIS? WHO ARE YOU?! demanded the rakshasa king as he glared towards her.

The woman turned to him, and in an eyeblink she was standing in the ocean, the sword held ready.

WE ARE SISTER TO MOTHER GAIA, SHE WHO WATCHES OVER THE TURNING OF THE YEAR. YOU MAY CALL US THE LADY OF SEASONS, AND WE ARE HERE TO STOP YOUR RETURN KING RAVANA!

The rakshasa king threw back his heads and laughed at this, as if he was told a particularly funny joke.

FOOL! I AM PROTECTED, NOTHING BRAHMIN CREATED BESIDES HUMANS CAN EVER HARM ME! WHAT DO YOU EXPECT TO DO?

The Lady of Seasons smirked at him.

WE ARE ALL OF THE FAIR FOLK, RAVANA. BRAHMIN DID NOT CREATE US. she replied, and for emphasis she stepped forward and slashed with Claiomh Solias!

Ravana roared and stumbled backwards, looking down at his chest in shock as blood oozed from the wound, then he glared at her and roared in fury, preparing to charge her down!

The group watched in shock as Dawn whispered, “… megazord…” then they looked up at a roar as Indrajit dove towards them!

“YOU DARE! EVEN AT THE MOMENT OF TRIUMPH YOU DEFY US! LEARN YOUR PLACE MORTALS! YOU SHOULD FEEL HONORED TO EVEN BE IN THE PRESENCE OF MY FATHER!” he snarled in fury, landing with a tremendous crash as the group scattered.

Indrajit straightened up, “I will let my father deal with your strange ally, as for this mortal rabble…” he took a breath, “MY RAKSHASA! HEAR ME! THE MORTALS OF SRI LANKA ARE YOUR’S! FEAST! FEAST TO YOUR HEART’S CONTENT!” he shouted.

The rakshasa at the pier stood up, then looked between each other, grinning widely, then as one they began to charge up the path to the city and with a loud roar they ran for the buildings, and the humans hiding within them!

“SHIT!” snarled Nelen, turning this way and that, but it would be like fighting a frenzy of piranhas! There were too many!

Arja and Simoni had much the same idea. Even for the firebird it was just too big a force to hold back…

But as the rakshasa drew close to the first building a sudden rain of fire cut them off! Then another!

“HAHA! GO MY FRIENDS! Lets show them how sharp our talons are!” laughed a voice as Simoni looked up with a grin.

Descending from the sky was a flock of garuda with black feathers, astride them were vanara, but these ones had rich brown fur instead of gold!

“Its Elder Rodas and his flock!” she cheered, “Akul and Lakshimi must’ve gotten through to them!”

Arja grinned, “Yeah, and those vanara aren’t from our village! They must be his friends too!”

As they said this the garuda elder flew down past them, a vanara warrior riding on his back as well. “You kids take care of Indrajit! We’ll deal with his army!” he nodded, flapping his way back into the sky as the rest of his flock dived and threw flames at the rakshasa, driving them back from the buildings.

Indrajit roared in rage, looking between them all, then lashed out at Simoni. Nelen grabbed her and threw her to the side before he could reach her however. “MOVE!” he shouted, then he braced himself as his eyes became emeralds and his antlers grew, the hunt god taking over as he took the full brunt of Indrajit’s fearsome claws… skidding to a halt a few feet away.

He hissed, then looked down at his arms, then back at Indrajit. “That… didn’t hurt half as bad as I thought it would.” observed Cernunnos, raising an eyebrow. “Girls. How DID he release Ravana? What did he do?” he asked.

Arja and Simoni glanced at each other, “He stabbed himself in the hand with the arrow, then it broke and released both of them.”

Cernunnos grinned at this, “Really… that wasn’t very smart Indrajit.” he nodded, breaking off a branch of a nearby tree next to the waterfront as it became a spear.

The rakshasa prince took a step back, grimacing. He had almost massacred the entire vanara race, that blow should have left nothing but a stain on the ground!

“Arja, remember what happened to your mom when you destroyed Claiomh Dorcadas? Did she get her powers back?” asked Cernunnos.

Arja gasped in realization, “No! She didn’t! Simoni had to use the arcane blade’s fragment on her!” she grinned.

Dawn laughed, “HAH! Which means Papa Smurf here isn’t at full power! GET HIM!” she yowled as the others nodded, then rushed him.

Indrajit ducked around Cernunnos’ spear, then under Drusilla’s club, but as much as they tried to hit him they just got in the way more often than not! There were too many of them to be effective, and while his strength was lessened, he was still an experienced warrior!

Finally Arja shouted, “Leave him to me and Simoni! You guys go back up Rodas and his flock!”

The others hesitated, but nodded and ran towards the Rakshasa army as Arja and Simoni stared down the Rakshasa Prince. Arja flexed her claws, sparks flickering between the tips, as Simoni clawed at the ground with her talons, flexing her wings.

Indrajit glared, then charged again as the two dove away from each other. Simoni shot into the air and circled around, grabbing Arja in her talons and flying into the air, then releasing her and sending a blast of wind to encircle her. Arja channeled fire into it and her body became a falling meteor! Indrajit scowled and dove away, narrowly missing being struck by it as the blast from it cratered the ground where he’d been!

He slid to a stop, only for a burst of wind to slam into his back and cause him to stumble, which was all the opening Arja needed! She leapt forward, her hands engulfed in flames, and slammed her fist home into Indrajit’s face, scalding his skin and burning away part of his mustache!

“AUGH! YOU DARE STRIKE ONE OF MY CASTE?!” he snarled, “EVERY SECOND YOU LIVE IS AN INSULT TO ME CHILD OF HANUMAN!”

Arja just grinned and leapt into the air, landing on Simoni’s back. “Hah! You talked so big back home. Killed millions of vanara, but now you can’t even touch one?!” she taunted.

Indrajit gritted his teeth, then leapt towards them, ready to lash out with his claws again, but as he did the fight in the bay continued.

Ravana threw a burst of energy towards the Lady of Seasons, who parried it easily with Claiomh Solias, then she spun and slashed upwards, scoring his body across his chest from his right hip to left shoulder!

The king roared in anger and pain, and this distracted Indrajit. He’d never heard his father experience pain before!

Arja and Simoni didn’t hesitate, Arja conjured a wall of embers before Simoni who filled her wings with wind and flapped hard downwards, sending a superheated downdraft towards Indrajit who cried out and fell to the ground, his skin blistering where it hit him!

“Again?! AGAIN?! NO! I AM PRINCE INDRAJIT! I CONQURED THE DEVA THEMSELVES! YOU ARE NOTHING TO ME! NOTHING!” he bellowed.

Back at the city limits the rakshasa were being held back by the combined forces of Rodas and his flock, their vanara allies, and the rest of Arja’s allies. The people inside the buildings watched the battle transfixed, unable to look away but too terrified to go help them fight back the rakshasa invaders!

Most of them anyways… one of the windows cracked open and a gun barrel pointed out. The building was a police station, now mostly abandoned as the cops were pretty much wiped out at the pier… but the weapons locker wasn’t and had some weapons that were meant to kill (dangerous wild animals usually.) A young man held a rifle steady, trying to get a clear shot at one of the monsters… and suddenly a feline girl shot towards their target, clawing at the rakshasa's eyes and going to dart away, but the monster grabbed her by the tail! She yowled and stumbled, and the man took his shot!

The rakshasa went rigid, but the bullet hit right in the temple and shredded its brain! It fell on its side, releasing the cat-like creature as she looked around, saw him, grinned and gave a thumbs up, then ran back to the rest of the fight.

The man inside looked at the rifle, then at the fallen rakshasa. “… they can be killed? We can… fight them?” he ran around to the door for the small room he’d been hiding in, kicking it open. “EVERYONE! I just shot one of the monsters and it killed it! We can fight them!” he called out.

The group hesitated, but many of the younger members of it grinned between themselves. They were rather sick of being afraid, “Where did you find the gun?” asked one.

Outside Stephy conjured a blast of frost, causing a rakshasa to fall on it’s face as it slid on a sudden patch of ice that wasn’t there before as Tex stepped forward with a pump shotgun that crackled with electricity and unloaded a round into it before it could get up, the gunshot literally cracking like thunder! He sighed as the cards shifted back into a normal poker hand. “That’s another one spent! There’s still tons though!” he frowned.

Stephy nodded, “Yeah I know, but what else can we do?!” he asked, sending another blast of snow out at the army, causing them to slide and stumble into each other as the ground froze. It was a most effective strategy for him and Sammi to use here they’d found. Freezing the ground temporarily took little glamour, and the rakshasa had no knowledge of how to walk on ice. Their home was a tropical jungle, they’d never needed it before!

Suddenly several gunshots echoed through the area! The young man inside had shown his fellows where the armory was, and now anyone who could use a gun was doing so. Rakshasa roared in fury, stumbling from wounds in their shoulders, guts, or legs, or falling outright from headshots.

A handgun would do little, but these were .243 caliber Winchester rounds meant to kill dangerous predators in the jungles. Even a rakshasa couldn’t handle those! Every window that could be opened had a gun barrel sticking out of it as several young boys with practice on a firing range, a few older men who had military service under their belts, a couple retired cops, and one woman who lived out in the outskirts and had a rotten time with animals in her herb garden opened fire!

Several more rakshasa fell wounded or dying, then Drusilla snarled and clutched at her arm before bellowing loud enough to rattle the windows, “I’M ON YOUR SIDE ASSHOLE! WATCH WHERE YOU’RE AIMING!”

The gunshots paused for a moment, then a single voice called back, “… sorry!”

Back at the waterfront Arja and Simoni fought against Indrajit, the furious prince now sporting burns and scalding on his flesh, his face blistered where Arja’s fist had hit it. “You… all of this is YOUR fault! SCION OF HANUMAN! WHEN MY FATHER TAKES THE THRONE I WILL MARCH MY PEOPLE ON YOUR VILLAGE AND SLAUGHTER EVERYONE WITHIN IT!”

Simoni flew out of his reach, the garuda nodding to Arja, “I think its time we get out the big guns. Hot wings?” she grinned.

Arja grinned back, “Hot wings.” she replied, and together they channeled their power as, once more, the phoenix took flight!

Huge fiery wings spread over the battlefield as Indrajit swore and stepped back, then his eyes widened. Something was… different.

The bird wasn’t entirely normal flames now, the very edges of the wings, and the talons and beak, burned golden. The changes hadn’t gone unnoticed by the ones conjuring it either. Arja looked at her claws, which now gleamed like polished metal, and Simoni’s claws on her talons were now akin to polished obsidian, her wingtips going jet back, though the rest was still emerald green like before. “Whats happening?” she asked Arja.

“I don’t know… but I feel… stronger somehow!” she whispered, “Simoni! Go! We can take him!” she grinned as Simoni nodded, the firebird arcing downwards towards the rakshasa prince!

Indrajit glared up at them, feeling the power radiating off them, but he didn’t flee. Perhaps he was simply too proud to do so, or perhaps he truly believed he couldn’t be defeated… he leapt, trying to grab them, but the phoenix got him first!

The talons closed around him and he screamed in pain as the flames bit into his body. Not just normal flames either! The golden fire ate away at his power! It burned away any spells he tried to use against them! “NO! HOW CAN THIS BE?!” he cried out, “F-FATHER! GREAT KING! YOUR SON IS IN PERIL! I BESEECH YOU!”

As he did Ravana’s heads turned to him, but that was what the Lady of Seasons needed. She lashed out again, carving another mark from his left hip to right shoulder, leaving his body quartered from the chest outwards. NOW! she shouted.

She thrust out her sword and Ravana cried out as his body went rigid!

“By spring’s blossoms and growth, I bind you!” she said in Isolde’s voice, and as she did Ravana’s right arm erupted into rose covered vines, the thorns sinking deep in to his arms.

“By summer’s fury ‘n heat, I bind ye!” she said in Morrigan’s voice, and his legs erupted in flames so powerful the ocean could not quench them, steam rising all around him!

“By autumn’s chill nights and bitter winds, I bind you!” she said in Claire’s, and thorny vines burst along his left arm as well, but these ones had no blooms, only thick long thorns. Dry and thirsty for his blood.

“… and by winter’s frigid kiss and deep silence, I bind you!” she finished in Sera’s voice, and Ravana let out one final scream as all his heads were frozen solid in one go.

TO THE WHEEL OF SEASONS WE BIND YOU! ONLY ONE FOURTH OF YOU MAY BE REAL, SO YOU MAY NEVER BE WHOLE… BEGONE! commanded the Lady of Seasons as she slashed again, and Ravana’s body split into four quarters as all but the rose covered one faded away, the remaining arm crashing into the ocean and disappearing beneath the waves.

Indrajit stared in horror, all pain forgotten. “No… NO THIS CANNOT BE! EVEN RAMA COULD NOT DEFEAT HIM WITHOUT THE ARROW! MY FATHER IS INVINCIBLE! HE CANNOT LOSE! I CANNOT LOSE!” he insisted, thrashing in their talons as they arced out over the ocean.

“Everyone loses sometimes Indrajit…” smirked Simoni.

“Get used to it.” nodded Arja.

Then together they tossed Indrajit into the air, and the phoenix’s beak stabbed forward into the prince’s chest. He let out a cry of pain as his body erupted in golden fire, then he fell down into the ocean with a loud splash and a huge cloud of steam. He did not come back up.

The two waited for a moment, but when he didn’t come up they immediately made a beeline for where the rakshasa were laying siege to the city… only to find a lot of dead rakshasa. The ones who hadn’t died had all fled when they saw Ravana go down and heard Indrajit’s cry of pain and defeat. Without their leaders they were wild rakshasa again, and it served none of them to stay and be killed.

They landed near Nelen and the others, changing back as they did and jogging over. “So… its over?” asked Simoni.

Nelen was sitting on a bench on the roadside, wiping his brow. He was sweating profusely from all the fighting, but he nodded. “Yeah, I saw what they did to Ravana. I don’t think even he can come back from that.” he smirked.

Arja nodded, “Er… yeah, we saw that too but… what did they do?” she asked.

“Ain’t it obvious ye wee monkey?” said a familiar voice as Loren walked towards them. “Just me this time, Morrigan said ‘good job ye lot,’ but she ‘n th’ others had ta bugger off. Takes a lot outta ‘em bein’ one person like that.”

Arja frowned up at her, “Pretend for a second I didn’t grow up in Ireland okay? I have no clue what that was!”

Nelen took a long pull from a bottle of water, then looked at her, “They bound Ravana’s body to the seasons, then cut him to pieces. One fourth to each season. Only that fourth exists until the season turns, then it stops existing and another part appears. Ravana isn’t dead, but he can’t come back unless all his body is together, and that’s not possible anymore.” he nodded.

Arja blinked slowly, “So… he’s gone, like permanently this time?!” she asked, almost afraid to believe it.

Nelen nodded, “It’d take something insane to bring him back, something that’d alter the entire planet and how it works. Unless Indrajit can pull that kind of magic, he’s gone.”

Simoni giggled, “Then he’s gone. We used the phoenix on Indrajit and threw him into the ocean after he caught fire, and he was pretty hurt already when we did.” she grinned.

Then the group heard cheering and looked over to see several of the people who’d been shooting the rakshasa standing next to them with their guns, pictures being taken to post on social media.

Nelen sighed, “… well, I think that about does it for keeping the supernatural secret. Hard to miss a freaking kaiju battle…” he frowned.

Loren nodded, “Eh, Jennie knew it’d likely happen in ‘er lifetime Nelen. Ye cannae expect ta keep stuff hidden forever, especially nowadays. If it wasn’t us, it’d be a lucky shot o’ a pixie, or a guy gettin’ a photo o’ his friend gettin’ dragged off by th’ gentry, or somethin’…”

Nelen sighed, “I guess, just UGH!” he threw up his arms, “WHY US THOUGH?!” he snapped in frustration.

Dawn grinned widely, “… because. Just…” she spread her hands dramatically, “… because…”

Next Story

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[newsaryavart]

पाक सीमा पर टिड्डियों की नई ब्रीडिंग, भारत के 6 राज्यों में बढ़ा उत्पात; आ सकते हैं 8 हजार करोड़ टिड्डी

पाक सीमा पर टिड्डियों की नई ब्रीडिंग, भारत के 6 राज्यों में बढ़ा उत्पात; आ सकते हैं 8 हजार करोड़ टिड्डी

[ad_1]

Image Source : PTI Millions Of Locusts Invade, Delhi On Alert

नई दिल्ली: पाकिस्तान से राजस्थान होते हुए टिड्डियों ने देश के कई राज्यों पर धावा बोल दिया है। इनसे निपटने के लिए केंद्र ने 16 राज्यों को चेतावनी जारी की है। केंद्र ने टिड्डी दलों के सफाए के लिए वायुसेना की मदद ली है। कीटनाशकों के छिड़काव के लिए हेलीकॉप्टरों के एक बेडे़ को तैयार किया गया है। फिलहाल अलग अलग…

[khabaruttarakhandki]

महाराष्ट्र से लेकर यूपी तक टिड्डियों का तांडव, पंजाब हाई अलर्ट पर

सरकार विशेष छिड़काव मशीनों का उपयोग कर रही है और नजर रखने के लिए 11 नियंत्रण कक्ष स्थापित किए हैं. अधिकारियों ने कहा कि कृषि मंत्री नरेंद्र सिंह तोमर स्थिति की बारीकी से निगरानी कर रहे हैं और राज्य के कृषि मंत्रियों और कीटनाशकों कंपनियों के प्रतिनिधियों के साथ तीन बैठकें कर चुके हैं. सरकार कीटनाशकों के हवाई छिड़काव के लिए ड्रोन के लिए निविदाएं भी आमंत्रित क��� रही है.

टिड्डे वार्निंग ऑर्गेनाइजेशन (LWO) के अधिकारियों ने बताया कि कीट जिससे सब्जी और दलहनी फसलों के लिए खतरा है, ने भारत में रबी (सर्दियों) की उपज को प्रभावित नहीं किया है, लेकिन खरीफ की फसलों को बचाने के लिए सरकारी प्रयास मॉनसून से पहले ही खत्म हो गए है.

पंजाब में हाई अलर्ट पंजाब के डायरेक्टर एग्रीकल्चर सवांत कुमार ऐरी ने कहा, ‘पंजाब को भी हाई अलर्ट पर रखा गया है और प्रत्येक जिले में नियंत्रण कक्ष स्थापित किए गए हैं और किसानों को टिड्डियों की किसी भी गतिविधि की रिपोर्ट करने के लिए कहा गया है.’

एक दिन में 100 से 200 किलोमीटर तक का सफर टिड्डियों का जीवन सामान्यतया 3 से 6 माह का होता है. नमी वाले इलाकों में ये एक बार में 20 से 200 तक अंडे देती हैं, जो 10 से 20 दिन में फूटते हैं. शिशु टिड्डी का पेड़-पौधे खाती है, 5-6 हफ्ते में बड़ी हो जाती है. इन्हें मारने का सबसे अच्छा उपाय अंडों के फूटते ही उन पर रसायन का छिड़काव है. टिड्डी अपने वजन से कहीं अधिक भोजन एक दिन में खाती है. ये एक दिन में 100 से 200 किलोमीटर तक का सफर तय कर सकती है  फिलहाल मध्यप्रदेश में 8000 करोड़ रू की मूंग की फसल को इनसे खतरा है, बाकी राज्यों में ये कपास और मिर्ची को निशाना बना सकते हैं.

हरिया��ा भी तैयार हरियाणा के कृषि मंत्री जयप्रकाश दलाल ने कहा है कि टिड्डी दल यदि हरियाणा पहुंचता है तो कृषि विभाग इस समस्या के समाधान के लिए पूरी तरह तैयार है. हरियाणा प्रदेश के सभी कृषि वैज्ञानिकों व विभाग के अन्य कर्मचारियों को टिड्डी दल से निपटने के लिए अलर्ट कर दिया गया है. कृषि मंत्री ने भिवानी में बताया कि यदि टिड्डी दल हरियाणा पहुंचता है तो दवाई के छिड़काव से टिड्डी दल को वहीं मार दिया जाएगा.

कृषि मंत्रालय रख रहा है नजर भारत सरकार ने टिड्डी नियंत्रण की मुहिम में ड्रोन्स का इस्तेमाल करने का फैसला किया है. कृषि मंत्रालय ने बुधवार को इसका ऐलान किया. कृषि मंत्रालय के मुताबिक नागरिक उड्डयन मंत्रालय ने 21 मई को शर्तों के साथ टिड्डों के खिलाफ मुहिम छेड़ने के लिए ‘रिमोटली पाइलटेड एयरक्राफ्ट सिस्टम’ को मंज़ूरी दे दी है.   

टिड्डों की समस्या पर नियंत्रण के लिए ड्रोन्स के जरिये कीटनाशकों के इस्तेमाल के लिए सरकार ने टेंडर के द्वारा दो कंपनियों की पहचान कर ली है. ड्रोन्स के जरिये बड़े पेड़ों और दुर्गम इलाकों में एरियल स्प्रेइंग करने की तयारी है. साथ ही टिड्डों के खिलाफ मुहीम तेज़ करने के लिए सरकार ने 60 अतिरिक्त स्प्रेयर यूनाइटेड किंगडम से मंगाने का फैसला किया है. साथ ही, 55 नई गाड़ियां कीटनशकों की छिरकाव के लिए खरीदने का फैसला लिया गया है.

पर्यावरण मंत्रालय ने बताया ‘बड़ा हमला’  पश्चिम भारत के कुछ हिस्सों में टिड्डी दल के हमलों के बीच केंद्रीय पर्यावरण मंत्रालय के एक अधिकारी ने मंगलवार को कहा कि यह हमला बहुत गलत समय पर हुआ है जब देश पहले ही एक महामारी से जूझ रहा है. पर्यावरण मंत्रालय में महानिरीक्षक (वन्यजीव) सौमित्र दासगुप्ता ने कहा कि यह ��ेगिस्तानी टिड्डी है जिसने बड़ी संख्या में भारत में हमला बोला है और इसके हमले से फसलों को नुकसान हो सकता है.

उन्होंने ‘मीडिया’ से कहा, ‘‘टिड्डी दल का भारत में आना सामान्य घटनाक्रम है लेकिन इस बार यह हमला बड़ा है.” उन्होंने कहा कि इसमें बड़े टिड्डे हैं, मुख्य रूप से ऊष्ण कटिबंधीय क्षेत्रों के हैं, जिनमें उड़ने की अधिक क्षमता है और बड़े झुंडों में चलते हैं जिससे फसलों को बड़ा नुकसान होता है. 

केंद्रीय पर्यावरण मंत्रालय के अनुसार, इस समय राजस्थान, गुजरात, महाराष्ट्र, उत्तर प्रदेश और मध्य प्रदेश में टिड्डी दलों का प्रकोप है. सबसे बुरी तरह राजस्थान प्रभावित हुआ है.  मंत्रालय के एक अन्य अधिकारी ने कहा कि टिड्डी दलों का प्रकोप पूर्व की ओर बढ़ रहा है जिससे खाद्य सुरक्षा के लिए खतरा बढ़ सकता है. दासगुप्ता ने कहा कि पर्यावरण मंत्रालय की टिड्डों के प्रकोप को संभालने में कोई भूमिका नहीं है और इससे कृषि मंत्रालय और संबंधित राज्यों को निपटना होगा.

VIDEO: कहीं का नहीं छोड़ता टिड्डी दल

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[sivadigitalart]

2020 #summer #covid19 #LocustsAttack #art #love #sivadigitalart

https://www.behance.net/gallery/98040211/2020

[mericurialthoughts]

#LocustAttack!

Corona virus, economic recession, cyclone and now... a locust attack. One problem doesn't get over and yet another one crops up.

So, what are locusts? Why are they attacking us? What are the reasons behind this? Some people in our country believe that Pakistan is responsible for thisPakistan has sent these terrorist locusts to India and these locusts are basically a conspiracy of Pakistan….hahaha

No, I am not joking. Hear it out.

"India asks the weak and cowardly Pakistan has Pakistan been resorting to the locust conspiracy after the terrorist conspiracy? So Pakistan is now turning locusts into terrorists and sending them to India. Has Pakistan been relying on locusts now instead of the army in order to attack India? Not only me, the whole of India raises this question" says Arnab Goswami!

Somebody please ask Arnab Goswami how this conspiracy works….Is there a nano GPS chip fixed onto these locusts with which Imran Khan is controlling them through a remote? How does that work?

It makes me laugh to think that people like Arnab Goswami consider their audience to be utter fools That no matter what rubbish they utter, the viewers will take that to be true. That's just too much!

Reverting to the topic, we will find out the actual reasons behind the locust attacks today and what innovative solutions are being used worldwide to counter it from which we can learn something.

Come, let us see

First, let us learn something about locusts: Locust is an insect which is quite similar to grasshopper and cricket. Infact, all these three insects belong to the same family. Locusts are generally found in desert regions and the unique thing about this is that as compared to grasshoppers and crickets.

It exists in two phases- It has two forms which is not seen in grasshoppers and crickets normally. These forms are- When it is present alone.This is called the solitary phase: But when it is present in crowds, and the environmental conditions are congenial. For example, wet soil after recent rains with trees and plants in full bloom, then they transform their forms completely.

This is called the gregarious phase. This metamorphosis of form changes everything about them- their behaviour, habits, appearance. Everything is different in the solitary phase and the gregarious phase. In a similar manner, it evolves into another phase if environmental conditions are congenial.

So, we do not have a problem with the ones in their solitary phase. A problem arises when they exist in crowds and are in their gregarious phase. They are yellow and black in color. Their eating habits change in the gregarious phase. They can eat more food and more varieties of food. Their endurance increases and their movements become more rapid.Even their brain size becomes larger

What's interesting is that they can transform into the gregarious phase from the solitary phase anytime. At any point of time in their lives as long as environmental conditions for it are congenial. The apt environmental conditions are- recent rains, moist soil and lush vegetation around. The swarms of these locusts are created in their gregarious phase. And these swarms destroy everything in their way. Because, like I said, their eating habits change so much that they can eat almost everything. Leaves, shoots, flowers, fruits, seeds, stems, barks- they can eat it all. They can eat almost all types of crops or non crops- be it wheat, grass, fruit trees or date palms. This is why complete destruction follows wherever they go.

How large can one locust swarm be?

The swarm found in Kenya in 2020 was 40 km by 60 km in dimension. The swarm can be as large as a rectangle of 40 kms by 60 kms. And in a swarm, there can be more than 150 million locusts within one square kilometre. A swarm can eat as much as 2,500 people in one day. So you can imagine the extent of its scale and how much destruction it can cause. And this is why it is said that the locusts are a kind of species that have the most economic impact on the entire planet as compared to any other animal species.

You can see the regions in which this happens- Africa, Middle east, Pakistan and the western part of India. They are found in larger numbers here because of the large extent of the desert areas in this region. and these are the areas in which they cause the most destruction. The locust attack in India today is the worst in the past 27 years in India. 1993 was the last time conditions were so bad. But this is not a recent phenomena. These locust attacks have been happening for thousands of years throughout the human history. Even ancient Egyptians had drawn locusts on their tombs which tells us that there had been locusts attack even in that age. These tombs are dated around 2400 BC. This is the reason why they are mentioned in a lot of religious texts. For example, Bible and Quran mention locust plagues.

It is believed that the locust plague mentioned in Bible happened in reality in Egypt in around 1400 BC. So, this is a problem that has been festering for ages, but climate change is indirectly held responsible for the locusts attacks happening today.

The sequence of events of how it actually happened is very interesting:The Indian ocean is warming up more than usual due to the climate change;The rains become more extreme due to the enhanced heating of the ocean;Torrential rains hit East Africa around the time of December 2019;Infact, there were floods as well;East Africa includes- Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia;These countries were badly flooded during December 2019;You can see how many people were affected due to these floods;Due to floods and torrential rains, congenial environmental conditions are created for the locusts; As mentioned before; the soil becomes moist and there is abundant vegetation around due to rains; So this becomes a great opportunity for the locusts to breed and change into the gregarious phase. So the locusts began to breed in huge numbers there and a plague hit East Africa. So Around February 2020, there was a huge locust plague in Africa. After which, these swarms of locusts began to travel east. It travelled to Iran, then Pakistan and now by the time of May, this plague has begun its move towards India.

The winds of the cyclone that had hit Bengal moved in such a direction and in such a way that they. They were further pushing the swarm of the locusts towards India. They wouldn't have normally travelled this way but they further moved in this direction because of the cyclone winds and this is exerting a very negative influence on Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi and Haryana.

So the question is what are the solutions to fight this locust plague? 

The first and the most common solution adopted by most of the countries most frequently is simply spraying them with pesticides and insecticides either on the ground or in the air with the help of a helicopter and then they would die.The problem with this solution is that this has a lot of negative impacts. Spraying pesticides has a negative impact in general on the environment , the people and their food. It exerts a negative impact on other things as well. And pesticides need to be sprayed in huge quantities in order for it to show effect.

 Another solution could be the use of eco friendly pesticides. But experts have observed that the eco friendly pesticides- the ones that do not harm the environment-do not kill them as effectively.They take some time to show effect. Hence they are not as effective.

 The third is the use of loud noises. The locusts flee from any kind of noise.Djs, music on a loudspeaker or any kind of loud noise- make them scarper. This is a solution that our farmers have implemented. But the problem with this solution is obvious- It can be implemented on a very short scale. And if your drive away the locusts from one place then they are going to attack another..

 But there's another unique and interesting solution which was tested out in Pakistan. This solution was tested out in a small scale in Pakistan's Okara district. Basically, the farmers were asked to trap these locusts and collect them and submit them in bags. They would be paid in return for this and then these locusts would be milled and used as chicken feed. That is, they would basically become food for chicken and help in feeding them because locusts are an extremely great source of protein. Now, this solution is extremely innovative.

Think about it- The farmers are also making profit in the form of money given to collect them and it is also generating profit when it is being used as a chicken feed. The credit of implementing this solution goes to Muhammad Khurshid. He is a civil servant in the Ministry of national food security and research in Pakistan and Johar Ali- a bio-technologist of Pakistan Agriculture Research Council. It was his idea. And he says that when he first broke this idea to the people, then everyone laughed. Nobody thought that this idea could seriously be implemented in real.

 So what is the math behind this idea?

The math is that he believes that first of all, the farmers can trap them easily with and these locusts do not fly in the air at night time. So they can be trapped very easily at night. They say that when the farmers collect these locusts and deliver them in bags, then they are paid 20 Pakistani rupees per kg

In India, this would amount to be around Rs 9 per kilo. The farmers are being this amount when they collect them in bags and submit them and he also believes that the number of locusts a farmer can trap overnight.

He can earn 20,000 Pakistani rupees, (that is, around 9,000 Indian rupees) in exchange for that. He also claimed that these locusts are a source of profit for the animal feeding industry as well because when these locusts would be used as chicken feed, they have 70% proteins. As compared to soybeans which are presently used in chicken feed and have only 50% protein content. Such a high level of protein (becomes available) when Pakistan imports soybean from the other countries. So this is profitable for even Pakistan as a country. Since, it would not import then it could save up on its foreign exchange. Animal feeding industry can also save up as well by using locusts. So this idea was tested out in a small village of a district and it was extremely successful. Now talks are in progress for its implementation on a large scale. And I believe that the Indian farmers can learn a lot from this too.And please do not brand me an anti national for bringing forth Pakistan's idea. I'd like to point out even the RSS members are exhorting to take inspiration from this idea if its successful. So this is not a matter of being anti national.

They say that a successful idea should be taken inspiration from, no matter which country it comes from. I adhere to the same belief. That if an idea is so great, interesting, innovative and is successful, then we must try it out as well.

Content Credit: YouTuber Dhruv Rathee

 source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIJMVPpXnDo

[pakiqspeaks]

What are locusts |Locust Swarms Attack in Pakistan India|| Locusts solut...

[adnanwasif-blog]

भारत 2020 में टिड्डी हमला | Locust attack in India 2020 | Swarms of locu...

[inventivaindia]

Looking Back On 2020, The Worst Year For India & Indians

Looking Back On 2020, The Worst Year For India & Indians

2020 is the worst year India has ever come across. From the wake of a pandemic to severe captivity of lockdown, from Delhi riots to farmers protest, from cyclones to wildfire, India has seen a mixture of all-natural, human-made disasters and faced many adversities. Today, as the year comes to an end, we take a look back at the events that are still too real to believe and still…

[latestbreakingnewsupdates]

Locust Attacks Posing Serious Threat to Food Security in Parts of East Africa, India: UN Agency

Locust Attacks Posing Serious Threat to Food Security in Parts of East Africa, India: UN Agency

Locust assaults are posing a critical risk to meals safety in elements of East Africa, India and Pakistan consequently of altering local weather situations that may be linked to human exercise, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has stated.

The specialised company of the United Nations stated excessive climate occasions and climatic adjustments akin to will increase in temperature…

[dailyunsolvedmysteries]

Bizarre Things That Happened In 2020

A star went missing - For nearly 2 decades, astronomers studied a star in a galaxy 75 million light years away, reports The Atlantic. Recently, they looked at latest observations and realised they could not find it anymore. It could be the first instance of a star collapsing into a black hole without first exploding into a supernova.

Mystery drones over Colorado and Nebraska - In January 2020, people in the US states of Colorado and Nebraska began to report mysterious drones in the sky. According to the New York Post, rumours flew thick and fast about drones as big as car flying in grid patterns in the night sky.

Murder hornets -  The "murder hornet" turned up at Washington state near the Canadian border, sparking panic. "An Asian giant hornet can sting you multiple times and deliver larger doses of venom just because of the size of them," said Sven-Erik Spichiger, managing entomologist at the Washington state Agriculture Department, about the murder hornets. "What we're told from the literature is that most people can survive one or two stings"

A monkey stole COVID samples -  In a bizarre incident in one of Uttar Pradesh's largest government hospitals, a monkey attacked a lab technician, snatched vials containing blood samples from three coronavirus patients and escaped. A video of the incident, which occurred in May, shows the monkey sitting atop a tree with the samples it stole.

Poland accidentally invaded Czech Republic -  In a minor misunderstanding, the Polish military recently invaded and briefly occupied territory in the Czech Republic - and stopped locals from entering a church in their own country. The misunderstanding was quickly cleared up and the Polish army retreated.

Pentagon released 3 UFO videos -  The United States Department of Defense officially released three short videos showing "unidentified aerial phenomena". In a statement dated April 27, the Department of Defense said that the videos were taken by Navy pilots in 2004 and 2005, and had been circulating on the Internet since they were leaked in 2007 and 2017.

Locust Invasion - Locusts invaded India’s capital, coined as the worst in decades. India’s response team had a hard time containing the swarmageddon, affecting almost half-dozen states.

Mysterious Seed Packages -  Unsolicited seed packages appeared in mails across 30 states.

Firenado in California -  A rare fire tornado was spotted near a fire in California.

Monoliths were erected across the world -  Mysterious monoliths were erected and then removed in Utah, Romania, California and even San Antonio.  The first monolith appeared Nov. 23 in Utah’s red-rock desert. Days later, it quickly vanished with no trace of who was responsible for placing it or removing it. Soon after, another monolith was found in northern Romania on top of a hill.

[vilaspatelvlogs]

भारत की परेशानी बने टिड्डी दल, इस देश के लिए हैं लजीज व्यंजन

भारत की परेशानी बने टिड्डी दल, इस देश के लिए हैं लजीज व्यंजन

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टिड्डी

भारत में बीते दिनों हुए टिड्डियों (Locusts) के हमले से किसान खासे परेशान रहे और इन्हें भगाने के जतन करते रहे, लेकिन केन्या की राजधानी नैरोबी (Nairobi) में लोगों को टिड्डियों की बढ़ती तादाद से कोई दिक्कत नहीं है.

फाइल फोटो: रॉयटर्स

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[khabaruttarakhandki]

35 हजार लोगों के हिस्से का अनाज चट कर सकता 4 करोड़ टिड्डियों का दल, कई राज्यों में फैला है आतंक

फायर ब्रिगेड व दवाई छिड़कने वाले पंप मैदान में  रतलाम के कई गांव में टिड्डी दल का झुंड उड़ता हुआ नजर आया. किसान परेशान थे अपने स्तर पर उन्हें भगाने की कोशिश की, वहीं प्रशासन 4 फायर ब्रिगेड, 5 दवाई छिड़कने वाले ट्रैक्टर पंप के साथ मैदान में उतरा. आगर मालवा जिले में टिड्डी दल ने रतलाम से प्रवेश किया. गुडभेली, ढाबला क्षत्री, गुदरावन गांव में बबूल, नीम, आम, संतरा  के पेड़ों पर बैठे तीन किलोमीटर लंबे और ��ो किलोमीटर चौड़ा टिड्डी दल बैठा था, जिसे भगाने डीजे बजा, थालियां बजीं..पम्प की मदद से मेलाथियानऔर क्लोरो पाइरिफास का छिड़काव हुआ.

टिड्डी दल ने गोभी की फसल की चौपट आगर मालवा से टिड्डी दल उज्जैन जिले के रना हेड़ा गांव में दिखा. दिल्ली से आई टीम ने टैंकरों से उनपर दवाई का स्प्रे किया. उज्जैन से धार के कई गांवों में टिड्डी उड़ते पहुंचे किसान जब तक खेत में पहुंचे उनकी फसल वो चट कर चुके थे. राजेश पटेल के खेतों में टिड्डी दल ने हमला किया था वो बताते हैं रात में अचानक टिड्डी दल हमारे खेतों में उड़ते हुए पहुंच गया सूचना मिलते ही हम अपने खेतों को देखने पहुंच गए जब देखा तो गोभी की फसल पूरी तरह टिड्डी दल चौपट कर चुका था, 2 लाख का नुकसान हो गया.

     ढोल-पटाखों से भगाया गया धार से टिड्डी दल इंदौर के सांतेर, भिडोता, काछी बड़ोदा जैसे गांवों में फसल को नुकसान पहुंचाते हुआ आगे बढ़ा. किसानों ने अपने स्तर पर इन्हें भगाने पटाखे चलाए,थाली बजाई. लॉकडॉउन और बीज नहीं मिलने से किसान खासे परेशान हैं. ऐसे में खरगोन जिले में टिड्डी गैंग की दस्तक उनकी और मुश्किलें बढ़ाने वाला है.

टिड्डी दल रतलाम, मंदसौर, बड़नगर, इंदौर देपालपुर महू से होता हुआ खरगोन जिले के बड़वाह तहसील के बलवाड़ा , थरवर ,गव्लु पंचायत में घुस गया. इसके बाद टिड्डी दल सीधे वीआईपी इलाके पहुंचा. मुख्यमंत्री शिवराज सिंह चौहान के जिले, पटत्तलाई, झोलियापुर, बारदा, नरेला, कोठरा ,चक्लदी जैसे गांवों में मूंग को नुकसान पहुंचाया. टिड्डियों का दल ढोल, पटाखों से आगे भागा.

35 हजार लोगों के हिस्सा का अनाज खा सकता है मालवा-निमाड़, नर्मदा अंचल और बुंदेलखंड के बाद विंध्य क्षेत्र में भी टिड्डी घुसे, लेकिन सतना में घेराबंदी कर उनका सफाया कर दिया गया. सतना कलेक्टर अजय कटेसरिया ने कहा दो टिड्डी दल आए थे, मूंग के एरिया में नहीं गये, आम यूकिलिप्टस को टारगेट बना रहे हैं एक है एक रीवा के रास्ते निकल गया है लेकिन उसको डैमेज हुआ है.

अलग-अलग राज्यों में टिड्डियों के हमले से 1 लाख 25 हजार एकड़ खेतों को नुकसान पहुंचा है. 4 करोड़ टिड्डियों का दल 35 हजार लोगों के हिस्सा का अनाज खा सकता है. मध्यप्रदेश के कृषि मंत्री कमल पटेल ने कहा हमने मीटिंग की हाई अलर्ट किया, भारत सरकार ने भी हाई अलर्ट किया, फायर गाड़ियों से स्प्रे करके 70 परसेंट का सफाया कर दिया है, जिन किसानों को नुकसान हुआ है, उन्हें आरबीसी 6 (4 ) के अंतर्गत मुआवजा देकर क्षतिपूर्ति की जाएगी.

मालवा-निमाड़, नर्मदा अंचल और बुंदेलखंड के बाद विंध्य क्षेत्र में भी #टिड्डी_दल घुसा . लेकिन सतना में घेराबंदी कर उनका सफाया कर दिया गया.@ndtvindia#Locustsattackpic.twitter.com/webkDUaoI5

— Anurag Dwary (@Anurag_Dwary) May 27, 2020

��क दिन में 100 से 200 किलोमीटर तक का सफर तय टिडि्डयों का जीवन सामान्यतया 3 से 6 माह का होता है. नमी वाले इलाकों में ये एक बार में 20 से 200 तक अंडे देती हैं, जो 10 से 20 दिन में फूटते हैं. शिशु टिड्डी का पेड़-पौधे खाती है, 5-6 हफ्ते में बड़ी हो जाती है. इन्हें मारने का सबसे अच्छा उपाय अंडों के फूटते ही उन पर रसायन का छिड़काव है. टिड्डी अपने वजन से कहीं अधिक भोजन एक दिन में खाती है. ये एक दिन में 100 से 200 किलोमीटर तक का सफर तय कर सकती है  फिलहाल मध्यप्रदेश में 8000 करोड़ रू की मूंग की फसल को इनसे खतरा है, बाकी राज्यों में ये कपास और मिर्ची को निशाना बना सकते हैं.

VIDEO: टिड्डी दल के हमले की आफत

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[hulnews]

After Breeding Along Indo-Pak Border Areas, Locust Swarms Move to Greener Pastures, May Return to Rajasthan

After Breeding Along Indo-Pak Border Areas, Locust Swarms Move to Greener Pastures, May Return to Rajasthan

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Locusts cover the skies in Gurugram. (Image: Twitter)

The migrating insects, which lay eggs in the desert and migrate in millions, were expected to fly over northwest and north India during the end of June.

News18.com New Delhi

Last Updated: June 27, 2020, 11:51 PM IST

Desert locust swarms last seen across multiple northern states in May have once again begun…

[news24fresh]

Watch | Swarms of locusts reach Gurugram

Watch | Swarms of locusts reach Gurugram

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Swarms of locusts hit Millennium City on Saturday around noon while they were headed towards Delhi in two separate groups.

The State Agriculture Department on Friday issued an advisory in this connection and asked the residents to keep the windows and doors shut.

Large numbers of locust had flown from Mahendragarh on Friday evening and settled in four-five villages in neighbouring…

[khabrisala]

Locusts swarms reach Nagpur, drones used to spray pesticides Image Source : TWITTER/FILE Locusts swarms reach Nagpur, drones used to spray pesticides Locust swarms moved from the Pench Tiger Reserve to Ajni village in Maharashtra's Nagpur district where drones were used to spray pesticides on crops and trees, an agriculture official said on Wednesday.