Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 24 March 2025
The Department of Agriculture, Little Andaman, has intensified its efforts to combat pest infestations affecting major crops such as coconut and arecanut in the region. Regular pest and disease surveillance conducted by the department in farmers’ fields at Vivekanandapur, Ramakrishnapur, and Rabindranagar revealed the presence of various pests and diseases, including the Rhinoceros Beetle, Leaf Spot Disease, Crown Rot, Yellow Leaf Disease, and Rugose Spiralling Whitefly.
The Rugose Spiralling Whitefly (RSW), an invasive pest known for attacking a variety of crops, including vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants, was observed in trace intensity levels, below the Economic Threshold Level (ETL). Despite the low intensity, the pest poses a threat to crop health by feeding on plant sap, causing leaf yellowing and reduced crop yield.
In a significant move to mitigate the spread of pests, especially the Rugose Spiralling Whitefly, the Department of Agriculture conducted a mass spraying of Neem Insecticide (0.02% E.C) on March 20, 2025, in the fields of farmers from Vivekanandapur, including Mr. Deepak Ranjan Bala, Mr. Hari Mondal, and Mr. Krishnapada Bachar. The spraying initiative was inaugurated by Mr. Parimal Mondal, Pradhan, Vivekanandapur, and witnessed active participation from 16 farmers, Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members, the Assistant Director (Agriculture), Agriculture Officers, Agriculture Field Assistants, ATMA staff, and farmer friends.
To strengthen pest control efforts, farmers have been advised to:
- Install Yellow Sticky Traps at the rate of 15 traps per acre to monitor and control pest populations.
- Conserve and augment natural predators of Rugose Spiralling Whitefly, such as Green Lacewing (Chrysoperla sp.) and Ladybird Beetle (Coccinellid spp.).
The department has also issued advisories to PRIs and farmers to ensure effective pest management. For further assistance and information, farmers have been encouraged to contact the Zonal Agriculture Office, nearest Sub-Depots/Extension Field Functionaries, or the Kisan Call Center at 03192-243434 or 1800-345-1145 on all working days.
The Department of Agriculture remains committed to safeguarding the interests of farmers and ensuring the health of crops across Little Andaman. (Story Based on PR)