A survey in Fiji has found a 30 percent increase in the population of coconut rhinoceros beetles.
The agriculture minister, Viam Pillay, said the upsurge was a direct result incurred by the coconut industry after Cyclone Winston in 2016.
The Agriculture Ministry carried out a survey between 2016 and 2017, covering most of the country.
Mr Pillay said the recently-announced budget would help pay for increased pest control.
Coconut rhinoceros beetle adults chew big holes through the growing tops of palm trees to feed on their sap, making distinct zig-zag shaped cuts in their leaves.
