Was 7 Billion Tenge Wasted Fighting Locusts in Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan: Questions Raised Over 7 Billion Tenge Spent Fighting Locusts in Turkestan Region A recent video report by PARYZ.KZ has brought to light concerns about the effectiveness of a 7 billion tenge ($15.7 million USD) initiative to combat a severe locust infestation in Kazakhstan's Turkestan region. The video, which features footage of widespread crop damage and the ongoing locust presence, questions whether the substantial funds allocated were used efficiently. The report highlights the scale of the problem, showing scenes of massive locust swarms devouring crops. "The amount of money spent and the number of specialists involved are impressive," says the narrator in the video, "but the effectiveness is still questionable." The video also includes interviews with local farmers who expressed frustration over the continued presence of locusts despite the large-scale intervention. One farmer stated, "We lost everything. Despite the efforts, the locusts ate all our crops. We don't know what to do." The discrepancy between the funds spent and the apparent lack of significant progress has led to calls for an investigation into how the money was utilized. The video concludes by suggesting the need for a more effective strategy to address future locust outbreaks. The Turkestan regional administration has yet to respond to the concerns raised in the video report. The incident underscores the need for transparent and efficient use of public funds in addressing critical agricultural challenges.