After attacking the northern lands of India, a swarm of locust species attacked banana, rubber, and other crops in parts of plantation dominated districts of Tamil Nadu, causing concern among the farmers. With this, the Kerala Agricultural University in Thrissur has warned farmers of Kerala to remain on high alert over a probable locust attack that is likely to happen in the Palakkad district,which is a predominant agricultural area.

Even though the chances of locusts reaching Kerala is unlikely due to the strong low-pressure region formed on the Arabian sea and the southwesterly winds, the authorities have urged to intensify observation at these regions. If the current weather conditions change and the winds recede, there is high chances for the 'vettukili' to reach the state, warns KAU.

In Kerala, a locust catastrophe occurred in the year 1954.