La Paz(Bolivia), Feb 9 (AP) Bolivian President Evo Morales is declaring a state of emergency to fight a plague of locusts that is decimating crops in the country’s agricultural heartland. Also Read - Trump Identifies India, 20 Other Nations As Major Drug Transit Or Major Illicit Drug-Producing Countries

Morales announced the decision yesterday as part of a contingency plan. It includes USD 700,000 in additional funds for fumigation. Also Read - Emmanuel Macron, Angela Merkel Greet Each Other With 'Namaste', Video Goes Viral | Watch

Officials say the swarm of locusts first appeared two weeks ago about 60 miles (100 kilometers) south of the eastern city of Santa Cruz. It has spread fast and is now about 18 miles (30 kilometers) from Bolivia’s largest city. Also Read - Bizarre! Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro Calls Amazon Fires a 'Lie' Despite Videos Showing the Rainforest Burning

Bolivia’s Eastern Agriculture Chamber estimates more than 2,700 acres (1,100 hectares) of corn, sorghum and beans have already been destroyed by the locusts. Authorities fear the locusts will reach the breadbasket region that supplies more than 80 percent of Bolivia’s food unless there is extensive fumigation. (AP)

This is published unedited from the PTI feed.