Plant pests and invasive insects have continued to be a major threat for farmers for ages. According to a FAO study, as much as 40% of global crop production is lost to pests annually. Plant pests and invasive insects cost the global economy around $220 billion and $70 billion respectively. In this blog, let’s find out the extent of damage pests can do to agricultural productivity and possible solutions to keep a tab on the destruction caused by them.
Climate change is believed to be one of the major reason for the rapid growth and spread of pests in agriculture and forestry ecosystems. And one does not need to look far away for an example. Just two years ago, India saw large swarms of desert locusts (the migratory pests), which made several incursions in different parts of the country (western and northern India), caused significant damage to crops and triggered panic buttons among farmers.
Several bugs and insects, including locusts are voracious feeders and have made themselves adaptable to changing climatic conditions. They grow quickly, spread faster, and if left unchecked can cause widespread damage to agricultural productivity, environment, and human health. Insects also have a substantial impact on the quality and quantity of food production.
Several bugs and insects, including locusts are voracious feeders and have made themselves adaptable to changing climatic conditions. They grow quickly, spread faster, and if left unchecked can cause widespread damage to agricultural productivity, environment, and human health. Insects also have a substantial impact on the quality and quantity of food production.
They can chew the leaves of crop plants, tunnel into their tissues, suck out the juice, weaken their stems and leave through boring of the roots, deform them and their stems. By laying eggs into the plant tissues, they can also produce damaging effects. Furthermore, they can bring menace to humans and domestic animals, inflict bites, stings and transmit diseases.
When it comes to the damages insects could cause, there are generally two types. The first one is direct injury to plants caused in the above-mentioned forms like eating leaves, damaging roots etc. In the second form, an insect may not directly force damage, but transmit viral, fungal or bacterial infection into a crop. One of the biggest challenges with insects is that they can pose multiple threats to productivity and the overall ecology as their numbers multiply quickly.
Generally speaking, the population of insects and pests is not easy to control.
Over time, pests and insects that bring detrimental results to agriculture, will acclimatize to changing environment. That’s why it is essential to keep a close eye on them, regularly observe plants for any instances of infestation and take specific measures to control them. This is where the reference of pesticides comes. They allow farmers to produce high quality food at low prices. Proper and safe use of recommended pesticides can also help a farmer to have nutritious food all year round.
One of the most important benefits of pesticides is that they can restrict the growth of certain types of harmful pests that harm agricultural production. Like the above, pesticides when used safely and effectively, can also fight plant diseases and weeds thereby helping plants thrive, resulting in increased production of agricultural products.
When it comes to using pesticides and other agrochemical products, it is important to read their label properly prior to use. They should be used in precise amounts, by engaging in proper application methods. One should strictly follow manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines on the storage, application and disposal of pesticides.
Find the best agrochemical products
While looking for pesticides brands and companies in India, always choose established brands that have a trusted track record of providing high quality products at reasonable prices.
The correct usage of pesticides and agrochemical products protects plants from diseases, pests and insects and leads to high crop yield. They can also help farmers to produce more in less time and on limited resources.
Consult with an expert to understand which type of pesticide or agrochemical products you need, learn about their proper usages and then buy as per your requirements. Do not forget to avail proper GST invoice from the seller.
To learn more about pesticides brands in India and the wide range of pesticide products, please feel free to talk to an expert now!
