Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecofriendly approach which aims at keeping pests below the economic threshold level (ETL) by employing all available pest control methods and techniques such as cultural, mechanical and biological control, with greater emphasis on the use of bio-pesticides and pesticides of plant-origin such as Neem formulations. The use of chemical pesticides is advised as a last resort when pests cross economic threshold level (ETL). Integrated Pest Management related activities are being implemented through  31 Central Integrated Pest Management Centres (CIPMCs) established in 28 States and one Union Territory. These activities are funded under the central sector plan scheme ‘Strengthening and Modernization of Pest Management Approach’. IPM activities are propagated through the Farmers’ Field Schools (FFSs). This is a form of adult education, evolved from the concept that farmers learn optimally from field observations and experimentation. FFSs are organized to help farmers tailor IPM practices to suit their needs. These schools are conducted separately for the Kharif and Rabi seasons, with each Farmers’ Field Schools (FFS) lasting 14 weeks. During 2010-11 (upto December, 10), 479 FFSs were conducted by CIPMCs in which 14,364 farmers and 2,365 Agriculture Extension Officers (AEOs) were trained. 7.7 Apart from conducting Farmers’ Field Schools (FFSs), the Central Integrated Pest Management Centres (CIPMCs) carry out pest/disease monitoring and conservation, production and release of bio-control agents. A total of 121 crore bio-control agents were mass produced in the laboratories and released against insectpests for various crops covering an area of 7.11 lakh hectares (upto December, 10). A national plan on rodent pest management will be implemented to build capacity and train manpower, create awareness, involve community based organizations and launch rodent control campaigns at village level in identified endemic areas.