ISLAMABAD: Minister for National Food Syed Fakhar Imam on Friday said 26 billion rupees were required for purchasing planes, vehicles, spray and other necessary material to wipe out locusts.

“The federal government would provide an amount of 14 billion rupees while provincial governments should release 12 billion rupees for protection of crops from locusts,” he said while talking to a local news channel.

Also Read: Government’s plan to promote organic farming using locusts

He said the discussion was being made with the World Bank and Asian Development Bank to invite support for Pakistan regarding provision of funds for controlling locusts.

The minister said discussion for soft loan with foreign banks is underway and the banks would extend help to Pakistan in order to remove locusts from different districts.

Fakhar Imam said spray has been imported from United Kingdom to protect crops from locusts attack.