Problems of Biblical Proportions: Afghanistan Sees Plague of Locusts

In an unprecedented turn of events, Afghanistan has recently become host to a locust infestation that has prompted many local authorities to offer rewards for killing large numbers of the flying insects.

Already, 300 metric tons of locusts have been killed by residents of the northwestern province of Badghis in recent weeks. The province, which is already suffering from drought, has had acres of land devastated by the insect infestation, and can not afford to see any more ruined by the plague.

Local officials in Badghis and neighboring Herat have promised residents 15 lbs of wheat per bounty of 1 kg of locusts, amid a global surge in food prices that has hit Afghanistan hard, such is the urgency of the insect-killing campaign.

It is too soon to know what long-term effects the infestation will have on Afghani wheat crops, but a drastic reduction of the already precious supply is imminent in the poverty-stricken country.