Locusts have damaged the bamboos for shoots in Viet Trung Farm Town (Photo by Tien Thanh)
The outbreak, which began over the past week, has seen thousands of locusts descend on bamboo plantations, stripping trees of their foliage. The damage has been described by residents as the worst in living memory.
Around seven hectares of bamboo have been seriously affected by locusts (Photo by Tien Thanh)
Nguyen Van Minh, a local farmer who cultivates more than 2 hectares of bamboo, said his entire crop has been devastated.
“Locusts swarmed densely, covering the treetops. In just a few days, they harmed nearly all of my bamboos. I’ve never seen so many locusts before, and I still have no idea how to stop them,” he said.
Vast areas of bamboo have been completely defoliated, with some residents warning that a hectare of bamboo can be wiped out in as little as two days. Despite efforts to spray pesticides and apply other measures, these are seen as only temporary fixes.
Viet Trung Farm Town has around 20 hectares of bamboo under cultivation, with each hectare generating between VND 60 million and VND 80 million (approximately USD 2,300 to USD 3,070) in annual income, thanks to year-round bamboo shoot harvesting that peaks between March and October.
Phan Van Trung, Chairman of the Viet Trung Farm Town People’s Committee, confirmed that more than 7 hectares of bamboo had been severely affected, with many plants showing signs of wilting.
“Bamboo grown for shoots normally regenerates quickly and offers a steady income throughout the year,” Trung said. “However, once stripped of their leaves, the plants’ recovery slows significantly, which sharply reduces shoot yields in future harvests.”
Officials have expressed concern that the locusts may also pose a threat to other crops in the area. The Agriculture and Environment Department of Bo Trach District is currently evaluating strategies to bring the outbreak under control and assist affected farmers.
