In 2019, Gujarat and Rajasthan reported a significant surge in locust infestations. As a result of the 1926-1931/1932 locust plague, India, under the British Raj at the time, began research into the desert locust, beginning in 1931. A pattern of warming in the Indian Ocean may be a trigger. The normal locust season in India spans June-November and coincides with the kharif season. However, strong Indian Ocean Dipoles are expected to become more frequent whetted by an overall trend of warming oceans.

Source: The Hindu May 30, 2020 18:35 UTC