40 % Loss In Foodgrain Production Because Of Pests

Pests along with diseases and weeds caused about 40 per cent loss in foodgrain production worth Rs.1.40 lakh crore annually in the country, according to Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Dr C Ramasamy. The level of pesticide use/consumption in the country was 480 gram per hectare, which was much lower than Taiwan and Japan (both (17,000 gm) US (4,500 gm) and Europe (3,000 gm), he said inaugurating a 21-day training programme on "Recent techniques in Entomological Research" here on Monday.

However, improper use of pesticides had resulted in the development of resistance among insects to insecticides, resurgence of insects and residue poblems, leading to toxicity to natural enemies and environment, Ramasamy said. It was a welcome feature that total demand/consumption of pesticides in the country had come down from 75,033 tonnes (technical grade) during 1994-95 to 39,733 tonnes during 2005-06. On the other hand, consumption of bio-pesticides had increased from 123 tonnes to 1,920 tonnes during the same period, he said.

State-wise data indicated that consumption of pesticides was lower in Tamil Nadu, compared to Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana and Andhra Pradesh between 2001-02 and 2005-06, a univesity release quoting Ramasamy said. Studies had shown that application of plant growth promoting bacteria enhanced the activity of natural enemies in crops like rice, pulse and cotton, he said.

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