The Agriculture Department uses mass spraying to manage the Little Andaman’s pest infestation

The Little Andaman Department of Agriculture has stepped up its efforts to fight insect infestations that are harming the region’s main crops, including arecanut and coconut. Numerous pests and diseases, such as the Rhinoceros Beetle, Leaf Spot Disease, Crown Rot, Yellow Leaf Disease, and Rugose Spiralling Whitefly, were found in farmers’ fields in Vivekanandapur, Ramakrishnapur, and Rabindranagar during the department’s routine pest and disease surveillance.

Trace intensity levels, below the Economic Threshold Level (ETL), were recorded for the Rugose Spiralling Whitefly (RSW), an invasive pest that attacks a range of crops, including ornamental plants, fruits, and vegetables. By feeding on plant sap, the pest endangers crop health despite its low intensity, resulting in leaf yellowing and decreased crop output.

The Department of Agriculture sprayed Neem Insecticide (0.02% E.C.) in large quantities in the fields of Vivekanandapur farmers, including Mr. Deepak Ranjan Bala, Mr. Hari Mondal, and Mr. Krishnapada Bachar, in an effort to slow the spread of pests, particularly the Rugose Spiralling Whitefly. Mr. Parimal Mondal, Pradhan, Vivekanandapur, launched the spraying campaign, which was enthusiastically embraced by 16 farmers, members of the Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI), the Assistant Director (Agriculture), Agriculture Officers, Agriculture Field Assistants, ATMA employees, and farmer friends.