Bukhara, Uzbekistan (29 June – 4 July 2026) – The Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), successfully organized the Regional Training on Identification of Locusts and Grasshoppers, held from 29 June to 4 July 2026 in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. The training was jointly implemented under the IOFS Transboundary Pests Control Programme and the FAO Programme to Improve Regional and National Locust Management in the Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA).
The six-day regional training brought together locust experts from Central Asia, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, combining field surveys with intensive classroom sessions on the taxonomy, morphology, identification, bioecology, and biological control of economically important locust and grasshopper species. Participants strengthened their practical skills in species identification, nymphal stage recognition, specimen collection, and surveillance methodologies, contributing to more effective early warning and response systems for transboundary pest management.
This regional initiative reflects the strong commitment of IOFS to supporting its Member States in addressing transboundary and quarantine plant pests, which continue to threaten agricultural production, food security, rural livelihoods, and regional trade. Through its Transboundary Pests Control Programme, IOFS is strengthening national and regional capacities by promoting technical training, knowledge exchange, institutional cooperation, and the adoption of science-based approaches for pest surveillance, monitoring, prevention, and sustainable management.
Central Asia remains one of the world's most important regions affected by transboundary locusts and other migratory pests. Their ability to spread rapidly across national borders requires coordinated regional action, harmonized surveillance systems, and continuous capacity development among technical experts.
IOFS expresses its sincere appreciation to FAO, the Plant Protection and Quarantine Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the trainers, and all participating experts for their valuable contributions to the success of this regional training.
Through strategic partnerships and regional cooperation, IOFS continues to advance sustainable agriculture and strengthen food security across its Member States by supporting integrated management of transboundary pests and reinforcing resilient agricultural systems.
