A Catastrophe Dodged! How China Stopped 400 Billion Locusts from Devastating Its Crops?

In 2020, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) issued a global warning about an unprecedented locust outbreak, threatening food security across several regions. The locusts, originating from East Africa, quickly spread across the Red Sea into the Middle East, and traveled as far as Pakistan and India. As the swarms neared China’s borders, a crucial question arose: Could China stop 400 billion locusts from devastating its agricultural regions?

Historically, locust plagues have been among China’s most feared natural disasters. These destructive insects, linked to droughts, have caused famines and societal unrest. In ancient China, emperors would resort to strict decrees and public efforts to control these pests. With modern agricultural tools and technologies, including pesticides and early-warning systems, China has significantly improved its capacity to prevent locust invasions. Yet, the challenge posed by such massive swarms remained formidable.

The media painted a dramatic picture, claiming that the locusts could potentially devastate agricultural hubs such as Sichuan and Xinjiang. However, the question remained: why hadn't these swarms crossed the border into China?

The figure of 400 billion locusts originated from media reports, which calculated the number based on estimates from a locust swarm measuring over 900 square miles in East Africa. The density of locusts, combined with their rapid mobility, led to growing fears across China. The scale of such an infestation—equivalent to 80,000 tons of locusts—was staggering, and manual or chemical methods seemed inadequate for containment.

Despite these challenges, China’s response involved innovative solutions. Leveraging modern technology, China introduced drones equipped with nets to capture locusts along predicted migration routes. Ground efforts would include electric mosquito zappers to eliminate locusts in fields. This “three-dimensional” approach combined traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technology to minimize the locust threat without relying heavily on harmful pesticides.

What’s more, the potential of the locusts as a sustainable resource was explored. In regions where locusts are traditionally consumed, they represent an untapped protein source that could help reduce reliance on other agricultural inputs. China’s multi-faceted approach not only aimed to control the locusts but also to create a new business model for locust harvesting, offering a unique opportunity to turn a natural disaster into an economic gain.

While the fear of a locust invasion was real, China’s combination of technology, traditional methods, and forward-thinking solutions showcased the country’s resilience and its ability to adapt to global challenges. This video dives deep into how China is facing the locust crisis, providing insights into the innovative measures being taken to protect its agricultural future and transform a potential disaster into a new economic opportunity.