What impact does a long dry spell in August have on farmers and crops?
A prolonged dry spell in August can lead to significant challenges for farmers as their crops become more vulnerable to pest and insect attacks. This susceptibility can result in reduced yields and increased expenditures for farmers.
Which crops are most susceptible to pest and disease attacks during a patchy monsoon?
Crops like cotton, paddy (rice), and to some extent, pulses are particularly vulnerable to pests and diseases when the monsoon is inconsistent and patchy throughout the season.
What percentage of irrigated and unirrigated areas are treated with pesticides?
According to agricultural input survey data, approximately 38.8% of irrigated areas and 36.1% of unirrigated areas in India are treated with pesticides.
Which crops require the highest use of pesticides?
Cotton has the highest percentage of treated area followed by crops like arhar (pigeon pea), jute, and paddy (rice).
Which crops are most at risk of pest attacks if the expected rainfall does not materialize?
Cotton is most vulnerable to pest attacks if expected rain revival doesn't occur, followed by soybean and pulses. Regionally, cotton in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, and Rajasthan, as well as soybean in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, are particularly susceptible.
How does the late onset of the monsoon impact sales of pesticides and insecticides?
Rajesh Aggarwal, the managing director of Insecticides (India) Limited, states that areas with adequate and moderate rainfall continue to show good prospects and demand for pesticides and insecticides. Despite the delayed monsoon, sales may not significantly decline in regions with favorable rainfall.
How are farmers preparing for potential pest attacks in vulnerable crops?
Farmers and agricultural experts are closely monitoring the weather conditions and the development of crops. If the dry spell continues, farmers may need to take preventive measures to protect their crops from pest and disease attacks.
Table showing the vulnerabilities of different crops to various pests:
| Crop |
Common Pests |
Common Diseases |
| Cotton |
Cotton Bollworm, Aphids, Whiteflies, Jassids, Thrips |
Fusarium Wilt, Alternaria Leaf Spot, Verticillium Wilt |
| Paddy (Rice) |
Rice Hispa, Brown Planthopper, Stem Borer, Leaf Folder |
Blast, Sheath Blight, Bacterial Leaf Blight |
| Pulses (Soybean, Pigeon Pea, etc.) |
Pod Borer, Aphids, Whiteflies, Leaf Miner |
Powdery Mildew, Wilt, Rust |
| Groundnut |
Groundnut Aphid, Leaf Miner, Spodoptera Caterpillar |
Early Leaf Spot, Late Leaf Spot, Groundnut Rust |
| Rice |
Brown Planthopper, Green Leafhopper, Rice Gall Midge |
Bacterial Blight, Sheath Rot, Blast |
Please note that this table provides a general overview and may not cover all potential pests and diseases for each crop. Additionally, vulnerabilities can vary based on factors such as geographic location and specific crop varieties.
