Pests have always been a serious concern for farmers. In India, annual storage losses have been estimated at 14 million tons of food grains worth Rs. 7000 Crore. The Government has been implementing several measures to reduce this huge loss.
However, conventional pest control methods involve the use of chemical pesticides, which can have hazardous effects on the environment. An environment-friendly approach is necessary to reduce dependency on these chemicals.
Sustainable pest management plays a crucial role in reducing the use of these chemicals and improving the quality of agriculture.
In this blog, we will discuss sustainable pest management in detail.
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The Shift Toward Sustainable Pest Management
Farmers have been using chemical pesticides to avoid the nuisance of pests. However, in the long run, this has polluted lands to a greater extent. Research says that 15% of sprayed pesticides reach the target. The remaining 85% contribute to air, soil, and water pollution.
Also, over time, pests develop resistance to these pesticides, leading to a need for more harmful chemicals. This cycle continues, polluting the environment more and more.
They have adverse effects not only on the environment but also on human health. These chemicals may produce skin and lung-related diseases in humans.
Recognizing these challenges, sustainable pest management focuses on integrating biological, physical, and technological solutions to minimize environmental harm.
Role of Technology in Sustainable Pest Control
Technology plays an important role in sustainable pest management. The following are some of the most important tools and technologies for sustainable pest management.
Precision Agriculture
Precision agriculture utilizes modern data-driven techniques to keep track of pests on the farm. In precision agriculture, sensors, satellites, and drones are used for this purpose. Farmers get precise data about upcoming pest infestations using these technologies and can make timely decisions to control them. It helps them to reduce the unnecessary overuse of pesticides.
Biological Control Methods
Pest management is one of the most serious concerns in agriculture. If pests are not managed properly, it leads to great losses to the farmers. It causes a decline in the overall production of farms. Also, uncontrolled use of pesticides pollutes the soil to a greater extent.
However, the use of biological pesticides can resolve this issue precisely and without polluting the land. It involves the use of natural predators or parasites to manage pest populations.
As this practice of using biopesticides is a natural method, it does not disturb nature’s cycle and keeps the ecosystem healthy.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Integrated pest management involves the combined use of biological, mechanical, and chemical tools to keep pests away from the field.
It is target-specific and protects organisms that are useful to the farm and the environment. It reduces the continuous use of chemical pesticides and is only applied when necessary.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
AI and machine learning are revolutionizing agriculture in many senses. AI systems can analyze the outbreak of pests and diseases by identifying their trends and patterns. Preventing pests and diseases at the initial level can save farmers time and cost by minimum or no use of pesticides.
Also, AI-based technology helps farmers to use the right amount of chemicals, at the right time and in the right place.
Robotics and Automated Systems
Robots equipped with vision systems can identify and remove pests or apply pesticides only where necessary, drastically reducing chemical use.
These machines can analyze the gathered data and take action autonomously. They help to enhance efficiency and limit human exposure to potentially harmful substances.
Sustainable pest management offers a promising solution to the pressing environmental challenges. AI-driven insights reduce the use of chemicals like pesticides and protect the biodiversity of the environment.
Let’s embrace these innovations and build a balanced ecosystem.
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