It is evident from the wind data analysis in six north Indian cities conducted by International Water Management Institute that there was a sharp increase in the wind speed at 10 metres above the ground from mid-May onwards, which helped the locust move from Rajasthan to Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
While most Rabi crops had been harvested by April-end, some were remaining. Natural vegetation had also grown owing to good rainfall. This may spell trouble for farmers, especially if the locust swarms continue to increase in number and density with the monsoon being normal this year.