On July 23, 2025, large-scale chemical treatment of agricultural areas against single (sayak) locusts began in Shymkent. This work is carried out on the recommendation of the Republican Methodological Center for Phytosanitary Diagnostics and Forecasts, and is aimed at preventing the spread of pests that annually threaten the region's agriculture.

Locusts are one of the most dangerous seasonal disasters for the agricultural regions of Southern Kazakhstan. Under favorable weather conditions and without timely measures, pests can quickly destroy crops, grass on pastures and even individual bushes. This season, an increase in the number of single locusts was recorded, which required a rapid response from authorized bodies.

Specialized mobile teams equipped with ground equipment, drones and hand sprayers were deployed to combat the pests. The work covers more than 3,000 hectares of land, including household plots, pastures and fields in suburban areas. The treatment is carried out mainly in the morning and evening hours to reduce the possible impact on people and animals, as well as to achieve the greatest effectiveness against locusts, which are most active at these hours.

The preparations used comply with modern safety standards. These are selective pesticides aimed exclusively at pests. They quickly decompose in the environment, do not accumulate in the soil and do not pose a threat to humans or animals if all instructions are followed. However, despite the safety of the chemicals, it is important to consider the potential impact on the ecosystem as a whole.

One of the most important aspects discussed by experts is the impact of treatment on biodiversity. Locusts, despite their harmful nature, occupy a certain niche in the food chain. They are hunted by birds, lizards and some insects. A sharp reduction in their numbers can lead to a disruption of the food supply of these species. In addition, even safe preparations, if used incorrectly, can affect the populations of bees and other beneficial insects. Therefore, the entire treatment process is accompanied by environmental monitoring, which assesses the condition of the soil, air and water in the treated areas.

Comparing the current campaign with previous years, significant changes in the approach to phytosanitary safety can be noted. For example, in 2022, outdated preparations with a higher toxicity level were used in some regions of Southern Kazakhstan, which caused alarm among environmentalists and agricultural producers. Cases of mass death of pollinating insects were recorded, as well as complaints from the population about odors and deterioration in health. Since then, the approach to treatment has been seriously modernized: new, environmentally friendly preparations have been introduced, safety precautions have been improved, and public awareness has become more systematic.

In some regions of Kazakhstan, such as Turkestan and Zhambyl, biological control methods have been actively tested in recent years. Predatory insects, fungi, and bacteria that attack locusts are used as an alternative to chemicals. However, biological methods are still less effective in the event of a sharp increase in pest numbers. Therefore, a mixed approach has been chosen in Shymkent: the priority is safe chemical protection with mandatory environmental monitoring and comprehensive analysis of the consequences.

It is important to note the active interaction with the population. Before the start of the treatment, local authorities warned residents about the time and place of the events through the media, messengers and announcements. Those living near the treated areas were asked to temporarily limit their stay in the open air, not to drive cattle to pastures and thoroughly wash the harvest from vegetable gardens. Citizens were also recommended to ensure the protection of bees and other domestic insects by moving hives away from the danger zone.

According to experts, current measures will not only help preserve the harvest and reduce farmers' economic losses, but will also serve as important experience for organizing similar operations in the future. With the right approach and compliance with all standards, it is possible to achieve a balance between protecting agricultural interests and minimizing damage to the environment.

It is planned that after the treatment is completed, a comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness and environmental impacts will be carried out. This will allow for adjustment of future strategies and a further shift in focus towards sustainable and bio-safe pest control methods.

Thus, the fight against locusts in Shymkent in 2025 became an example of a thoughtful and systematic approach that combines technology, safety and responsibility to society and nature.