On July 23, 2025, large-scale chemical treatment against locusts began in Shymkent. This event was organized on the recommendation of the Republican Methodological Center for Phytosanitary Diagnostics and Forecasts. Due to the current threat to agriculture in the city, local authorities and specialists are taking urgent action and trying to limit the spread of harmful insects.

Locusts have been multiplying, especially since mid-July, and have begun to threaten arable land and pastures. Locust invasions are a common seasonal phenomenon in the southern regions. If timely measures are not taken, they can destroy a significant part of agricultural products. Therefore, specialists have intensified preventive measures. Chemical treatment is currently being carried out on more than 3,000 hectares of land near the city. Special equipment, drones and sprayers have been involved in these works. Treatment is carried out in the morning and evening, since during these periods the insects are active, and the movement of residents and livestock facilities is low.

The pesticides used are selected in accordance with modern safety standards. They are biodegradable and are aimed at affecting only pests and not harming beneficial insects, animals and humans. However, it is clear that any chemical intervention will have a certain impact on the ecosystem. To prevent this impact, the relevant authorities conduct environmental monitoring and monitor the condition of soil and water sources in the cultivated areas.

When talking about possible impacts on the ecosystem, we should not forget that locusts themselves are part of the natural biocenosis. Many birds and insects feed on them. Therefore, a sharp decrease in their number can negatively affect the balance in the ecosystem. In addition, if residues of substances used during processing accumulate in the soil or water sources, this can also cause long-term harm. However, it is expected that the drugs used today will decompose naturally in a short time.

These processing measures are not the first time that Shymkent has been carrying out these activities. Similar processing operations were carried out in 2022 and 2023. However, the chemicals used during those periods had a greater impact on the natural environment. That is why a decrease in the number of bees and other beneficial insects was recorded. In recent years, more attention has been paid to agroecological approaches in Kazakhstan, and biological control methods are being put into practice. For example, in 2024, a biological processing method against locusts using parasitic insects was used in the Turkestan region. Although this method is less harmful to the ecosystem, it is less effective, so this year a decision was made in Shymkent to use a mixed approach - that is, to combine chemical and control and analytical work.

Public education is also being carried out systematically. The city's agricultural department, representatives of the sanitary and epidemiological service, and local akimats are warning residents in advance and explaining safety rules. Through social networks, local press, and advertising media, citizens are being provided with accurate information about the time and place of chemical treatment, as well as precautions. Among the main rules recommended to the population are recommendations such as not to go out into the field during treatment, not to let livestock out to pasture, thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits, and boil running water.

The fight against locusts in Shymkent is a systematic measure aimed at protecting agriculture. The main goal of these works is not only to reduce the damage caused by pests to agricultural products, but also to maintain environmental stability. The use of modern methods and environmentally friendly preparations is becoming more effective and safer than in previous years. However, these works must be constantly monitored to reduce the potential impact on the ecosystem, and in the future, the need to increase the share of biological methods will remain on the agenda.