site.btaPost - Earthquake Caterpillar Infestation in Turkiye

Turkish farmers reported caterpillar infestation following the devastating earthquakes on 6 February in southeastern Turkiye.

Local farmers say entire colonies of the pests have covered their fields, making them extremely worried about their crops, since the insects are rapidly destroying them. Animals could also be left without food, Turkish media report.

Experts predict a serious rise in the price of fruit and vegetables in Turkiye if part of the harvest is lost. Authorities advise farmers to use pesticides, but agronomists note that so far the number of pests has not decreased.

Preliminary figures show that the country's economy lost about $84 billion in the devastating earthquakes in February, which killed nearly 46,000 people.