05 November 2024, Jaipur: The Rajasthan Agriculture Department has issued guidelines aimed at protecting the state’s vital mustard crop from common pests, including the painted bug and the saw fly. These pests, frequently found during early crop growth stages, can cause extensive damage if not managed promptly. Painted bugs, which thrive during the crop’s germination phase, draw sap from the mustard leaves, stunting plant growth. Similarly, the saw fly, particularly harmful around 25-30 days into the crop cycle, leaves only the stalk by consuming the foliage, ultimately hampering crop development and yield.
Kailash Chand Meena, Joint Director of the Agriculture Department, has underscored the importance of specific preventive practices to minimize pest impact. One of the primary recommendations is thorough field hygiene. Clearing fields of weeds and residue from previous crops is essential for creating an environment less conducive to pest infestation. Proper seed treatment prior to sowing is also critical, protecting plants from seed-borne pathogens and pests, which strengthens early crop resilience. Additionally, timely sowing is emphasized, as sowing at the right time enhances the crop’s resistance to pest attacks.
To combat saw fly larvae, the department recommends regular inspections, particularly in the mornings, to catch infestations early. During these checks, any visible caterpillars should be manually collected and destroyed to prevent further crop damage. For larger infestations, targeted insecticide application is advised as per established agricultural practices. Spraying in the early morning or evening hours has been found most effective for pest control while minimizing chemical impact on non-target species.
As part of the state’s agricultural support policy, the Rajasthan government is also offering subsidy assistance for insecticide purchases to manage pest threats effectively. Growers can submit a pest-disease survey report (Form-5) to the Agriculture Department to receive these subsidies. This initiative is designed to ensure that essential insecticides reach farmers in pest-affected regions on time, thereby bolstering crop protection efforts and potentially reducing yield losses.
These guidelines, alongside the subsidy support for pest control, reflect a robust response from the Rajasthan Agriculture Department aimed at ensuring the sustainability and productivity of the mustard crop. For the broader agricultural community, this initiative highlights a commitment to supporting farmers in tackling crop challenges, reinforcing the department’s focus on food security and agricultural resilience in Rajasthan.
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