Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 31 July 2025
The proliferation of Mealy Bug and Rugose Spiralling Whitefly in coconut, fruits, and vegetable crops has been reported in several villages of Car Nicobar, prompting swift action by the local administration and agricultural bodies.
In response to the increasing pest infestation, awareness campaigns are being rolled out across all villages of Car Nicobar to educate the farming community. These initiatives aim to help farmers identify early symptoms of infestation, understand the nature of the pests, and adopt effective management practices for controlling the spread in coconut plantations as well as fruit and vegetable crops.
This coordinated effort is being led by the District Administration in collaboration with the Tribal Council, Agriculture Department, Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC), and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK-CIARI). The strategy includes both short-term and long-term interventions, emphasizing environmentally friendly solutions and the use of biological control methods.
Farmers are being advised to adopt cultural practices such as forced water spraying, maintaining proper spacing between plants, regular monitoring, pruning, and maintaining field hygiene. The use of organic pesticides is also being encouraged to control pest populations and prevent further spread.
In areas identified as heavily affected, including Perka and Malacca villages, teams from KVK and the Agriculture Department have already carried out neem-based pesticide spraying to mitigate the damage.
Village headmen across Car Nicobar have been briefed on the situation and are being urged to stay alert and report any signs of pest infestation to the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Car Nicobar or the Agriculture Department for timely action.
