Nagaland Farmers Learn Pest Control Basics

Kohima: The Central Integrated Pest Management Centre spent June teaching farmers across Nagaland how to keep their crops safe. Staff from the Ministry of Agriculture hit villages in Dimapur, Niuland, and Chümoukedima to push sustainable growth. They want growers to stop dumping chemicals on their fields.

The campaign, known as Khet Bachao Abhiyan, focused on Integrated Pest Management. This approach swaps heavy spraying for biological, cultural, and mechanical fixes. Experts insist that ditching chemical reliance saves money and keeps soil healthy. Officials said, "IPM reduces production costs, minimizes pesticide residues, conserves beneficial insects and ensures long term soil health."

Teams showed farmers how to handle sprayers without hitting nearby plants or poisoning the water. They hammered home the basics: wear protective gear, read every label, and check for batch numbers or expiration dates. The government wants everyone to buy only products registered with the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee.

Farmers walked away with advice on using neem-based products, sticky traps, and pheromone lures instead of harsh sprays. Indiscriminate use of chemicals hurts people and pollinators alike. The message was clear. Keep it safe and keep it local.