VIJAYAWADA: Following the losses incurred by the chilli farmers in the last crop season, agriculture authorities and the NTR district administration have decided to focus on effective pest control measures this season.
Around 85 per cent of cropland in NTR district is uplands and commercial crops like cotton and chilli occupy majority crop area.
As per the estimates available with authorities, farmers cultivated chilli in around 25,000 hectares in 2021-22 but incurred losses due to thrips ( Thrips parvispinus). Leaf curl added to the woes of the farmers and they received only 25 per cent of the yield.
NTR district administration has been focusing on educating the farmers on preventive measures to eradicate back thrips. Collector Dilli Rao conducted a session with farmers, agriculture authorities, scientists from LAM Farm and entomologists to find a solution to the problem.
Scientists suggested the farmers to start implementing an action plan from summer to get a better yield. Dr. Sireesha, entomologist, explained her research outcome on back thrips management. She said organic solutions are the best way to prevent back thrips than spending huge amounts on pesticides after infestation.
