Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Overview:-
The indiscriminate and unilateral use of pesticides was the only plant protection tool during sixties and seventies for sustaining of agricultural production potential of the high yielding varieties under the intensive cropping systems. This has led to several ill-effects like human and animal health hazards, ecological imbalance, development of resistance in the pests to pesticides, pests resurgence and environmental pollution, as well as, destruction of natural enemies (bio-control agents) of pests and increased level of pesticides residues in soil, water, food with the increased use of pesticides.
In order to minimize the use of hazardous chemical pesticides up to as extent as possible & to prevent, manage the insect pests /diseases attack as well as to increase the crop productivity, Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture & Co-Operation (DAC) has launched a scheme “Strengthening and Modernization of Pest Management Approach in India” since 1991-92 by adopting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as cardinal principle and main plank of plant protection strategy in overall crop production programme. Under the ambit of IPM programme, the Govt. of India has established 31 Central IPM Centres in 28 States and one UT. The list enclose at annexure-I
Mandate:-
The mandate of these Centres is pest/disease monitoring, production and release of bio-control agents/ bio-pesticides, conservation of bio-control agents and Human Resource Development in IPM by imparting training to Agriculture / Horticulture Extension Officers and farmers at Grass Root Level by organizing Farmers Field Schools (FFSs) in farmers’ fields. Basic aim of FFS is to train the farmers on the latest IPM technology so that they are able to take decision in pest management operation. In FFSs the farmers are also trained about the judicious use of pesticides on their crops so that the crop can be grown with minimum use of pesticides.
Objectives
Ø Maximize crop production with minimum input costs;
Ø Minimize environmental pollution in soil, water and air due to pesticides;
Ø Minimize occupational health hazards due to chemical pesticides;
Ø Conserve ecosystem and maintain ecological equilibrium;
Ø Judicious use of chemical pesticides for reducing pesticide residues.
Activities
The 31 Central Integrated Pest Management Centers (CIPMCs) located in 28 States and one Union Territory undertakes the programme with following activities:
v Surveillance & Monitoring of insect-pest & diseases.
v Augmentation and Conservation of Natural enemies.
v Production and releases of bio-control agents.
v Human Resources Development (HRD) through Farmers’ Field Schools (FFSs) Season-long training programmes, orientation training programme and refresher courses.