ICAR’s Neem Seed Powder Pellet Formulation: Eco-Friendly Pest Management for Cabbage & Cauliflower
ICAR-IIHR's Neem Seed Powder Pellet Formulation has emerged as a game-changer in the eco-friendly management of insect pests in cabbage and cauliflower cultivation. Its effectiveness in reducing pest damage, cutting down chemical usage, and increasing farm profitability has been proven through successful field demonstrations.
The cultivation of cole crops like cabbage and cauliflower often faces significant challenges due to insect pests such as diamondback moth, aphids, stem borers, and Spodoptera litura. These pests not only damage the crops but also compromise their quality, making them unsuitable for human consumption.
To address these issues, the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) in Bengaluru has developed an innovative and sustainable solution – the Neem Seed Powder Pellet Formulation (NSPPF). This eco-friendly pest management strategy aims to mitigate the damage caused by pests and ensure a safe and high-quality yield of cabbage and cauliflower.
Effective Pest Management Strategies:
ICAR-IIHR's research efforts have led to the development of various integrated pest management strategies for cole crops. These strategies include the use of mustard as a trap crop, the application of neem soap and biocontrol agents, and the utilization of the NSPPF. The NSPPF has proven to be a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution for managing major pests like the diamondback moth and aphids on cabbage and cauliflower.
Field Demonstration and Results:
The efficacy of the NSPPF technology has been successfully demonstrated to farmers during national horticultural fairs and on-farm trials. One such trial took place in the field of Shri Harish, a farmer from Madappanahalli Village in Bengaluru Rural District. Shri Harish cultivated cauliflower using the NSPPF technology on one acre of land, with technical guidance from ICAR-IIHR entomologists.
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Application and Monitoring:
The NSPPF was prepared by soaking it in water overnight before application. The formulation was then sprayed on the crop at regular intervals, ensuring sufficient coverage of the growing portion of the plant. The NSPPF spray was repeated every 7 to 8 days, depending on the pest incidence, until 70 days after transplanting. Throughout the crop growth period, the scientists from ICAR-IIHR closely monitored the crop and recorded data on insect pest incidence.
Impressive Results and Economic Benefits:
The adoption of ICAR-IIHR's NSPPF technology has yielded remarkable results and economic benefits for farmers. The number of insecticide sprays required was significantly reduced from 20 applications in conventional practices to only 7 to 8 sprays using the NSPPF. This reduction has resulted in substantial savings in terms of chemical costs and labor.
Shri Harish, the farmer who implemented the NSPPF technology, witnessed a decrease in diamondback moth incidence on the NSPPF-treated crop, comparable to the chemically treated crop. Additionally, he saved Rs. 25,000 in insecticide expenses by using the NSPPF instead of synthetic chemicals. The NSPPF-treated curds exhibited superior quality and were preferred by consumers, leading to higher market prices and increased profitability for the farmer.
Eco-Friendly Approach and Residue-Free Produce:
The NSPPF technology not only improves farm income but also promotes ecological balance. By eliminating the use of synthetic chemicals, it encourages the presence of beneficial insects, minimizes harm to the soil and environment, and ensures residue-free produce. Residue analysis conducted by ICAR-IIHR on cauliflower heads treated with NSPPF showed no traces of residue, assuring consumers of the by ICAR-IIHR pesticide-free nature of the crop.
Conclusion:
ICAR-IIHR's Neem Seed Powder Pellet Formulation has emerged as a game-changer in the eco-friendly management of insect pests in cabbage and cauliflower cultivation. Its effectiveness in reducing pest damage, cutting down chemical usage, and increasing farm profitability has been proven through successful field demonstrations. By adopting this technology, farmers can not only protect their crops but also contribute to a sustainable and environmentally conscious agricultural system.
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