02 Mar Management of Agricultural Pests Through Biopesticides
फसलों मे कीट नियंत्रण के लिए जैविक कीटनाशकों का प्रयोग Pesticides having biological origin i.e., viruses, bacteria, pheromones, plant or animal compounds are known as biopesticides. They are natural in origin derived from animals, plants, bacteria, and certain non-synthetic minerals. Bio-pesticides are highly specific affecting only the targeted pest or closely related pests. They are safer for living beings. Biopesticides are one of the promising alternatives to manage environmental pollution and subsequently has gained interest in view of the growing demands for organic food. Biopesticides can successfully be used for specific crops and niche areas as a component of IPM. Biopesticide in India In India, so far only 12 types of biopesticides have been registered under the Insecticide Act, 1968. Neem based pesticides, Bacillus thuringiensis, NPV (Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus) and Trichoderma are the major biopesticides produced and used in India. Whereas more than 190 synthetics are registered for use as chemical pesticides. Most of the biopesticides find use in public health, except a few that are used in agriculture. Consumption of biopesticides has increased from 219 metric tons in 1996-97 to 683 metric tons in 2000-01, and about 85% of the biopesticides used are neem based products. Consumption of chemical pesticides has significantly fallen from 56,114 MT to 43,584 MT during the same period. Table 1: Annual availability of...