Integrated pest management conquers a dreaded pest, saves farmers from bankruptcy

Muralidhar Ingle, the agriculture development officer of Akola Zilla Parishad, pointed out that their office, in collaboration with the other departments and universities, also raised awareness about usage of pheromone traps, lures (contraption with female pheromones to trap male moths) etc.

In 2017-18, PBW infestation had led to high losses for farmers. “Since then we have virtually waged a war against this pest, arming our farmers with the necessary information to control this pest,” said Ingle. The results have been “satisfying” — there have been hardly any significant episode of infestation.

Narayan Shisode, Director of Agriculture (extension and training) in Maharashtra, said that between 2017 and 2019, of the 3,924 villages under observation, 1,957 villages had reported infestation above the economic threshold limit (a measure of pest population per acre beyond which active pest control measures need to be taken to prevent economic losses). However, till November this year, just 100 villages have reported infestation above the economic threshold limit.

Shisode mentioned that their outreach saw the department undertaking a major awareness drive with information chariots, posters, pamphlets etc being distributed at the villages to educate the farmers. The literature made a strong case in favour of integrated pest management.