As the monsoon season arrives, farmers in Gujarat are busy preparing for the kharif crops, with cotton being one of the main choices. The state’s agriculture department is supporting farmers in managing pests and diseases to ensure a good yield. Here are some important steps that farmers should consider before and during cotton planting to manage pests effectively.
Firstly, farmers should deep plough their fields during summer to control pests like the mealybug that may hide in the cracks of the soil. This practice helps in reducing their population before planting.
Secondly, it is essential to treat the seeds before sowing. Farmers should use insecticides like Imidacloprid or Thiamethoxam to protect young cotton plants from sucking pests right at the start. A recommended dosage is 7.5 ml of Imidacloprid or 2.8 ml of Thiamethoxam per kilogram of seeds.
Additionally, it is important to remove any weeds in the field that can harbour pests. Weeds such as wild okra, congress grass, and other similar plants should be uprooted and destroyed to prevent pest infestations.
To encourage natural enemies of pests, farmers can plant a variety of flowering plants in a 0.20-hectare area. This can include crops like marigold, cassia, and other flowering plants that attract beneficial insects, providing a balanced ecosystem in the field.
For effective natural control of the cotton bollworm, farmers can also plant maize and sorghum as trap crops. These crops attract ladybird beetles and other natural predators of bollworms, helping reduce their numbers without relying heavily on pesticides.
Farmers should also consider introducing beneficial insects like green lacewings in the field. Releasing around 10,000 eggs or larvae per hectare twice can help control pest populations biologically.
When managing pink bollworm in Bt cotton, it is crucial to remove all fallen flowers, pods, and debris from the fields after harvesting. This reduces the breeding sites for the pests.
Crop rotation every two years and deep ploughing can also help disrupt pest cycles. Planting resistant varieties of seeds between June 15 and July 15 can further improve yields and reduce pest issues.
The Indian government advises farmers to use a mix of Bt and non-Bt cotton seeds to maintain pest resistance. Mixing 5-10% non-Bt seeds with Bt seeds can enhance the effectiveness of pest management strategies.
For additional pest control, farmers can plant trap crops like maize or yellow mustard around their cotton fields. These can help lure pests away from the main crop while providing a food source for beneficial insects.
Lastly, maintaining a good monitoring system for pests is crucial. Farmers should regularly check their fields and take immediate action if pest numbers increase beyond acceptable levels. Using the correct dosages of pesticides, as per the label instructions, will ensure that the crop remains healthy while minimizing environmental harm.
In conclusion, by following these integrated pest management practices, cotton farmers in Gujarat can significantly improve their crop yields and protect their livelihoods. The state government is committed to supporting the farming community through education and resources, ensuring a prosperous agricultural future. With the right practices in place, farmers can achieve both a healthy crop and a sustainable farming environment.
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