Invasive Pests Posing Threat to Chilli Farmers in India

The Rashtriya Kisan Progressive Association (RKPA) has urged chilli growers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to band together and fight regulators who are stifling quality agri-input, as well as to advocate the use of modern agri-tech practices to combat invasive pests such as 'Thripsparvispinus.'

The RKPA has also urged the Chief Ministers and administrators of the two Telugu states to form a committee and a rapid response team to help farmers, even as the Association launched a mass education and engagement campaign to educate and engage the public representatives, anti-technology, and anti-development forces.

Invasive Pest- 'Thripsparvispinus'

The new invasive pest 'Thripsparvispinus' has had a significant impact on the red chilli crop in certain districts of both states by affecting the plants during the flowering stage and stunting their growth. Heavy rains in recent months have exacerbated the situation.

With farmers concerned that crop yields may suffer as a result of the pest, RKPA, a consortium of national progressive farmers' organizations with a presence in 16 states and 1.37 lakh farmer members, stated, "The solution lies in the use of the right agri-inputs like seeds, fertilizer, and appropriate pesticides in appropriate quantities."

Farmers are dealing with two issues: bogus pesticides and a lack of knowledge about proper agrochemical use.

"In addition to quality and quantity, the timing of pesticide application is critical for proper crop growth and control of Thrips parvispinus." The use of modern technologies such as drones, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI) will aid in the uniform spraying of pesticides, according to the RKPA.

According to RKPA estimates, Andhra Pradesh (43.5%) and Telangana (23.5%) account for more than 67 percent of the country's chilli production.

The new pest was discovered in early 2020 and has been on the rise since October 2021, with both adults and young ones feeding on the ovaries of the flowers, rendering them unfit for fruiting and causing significant flower drops and losses.

"As a result of these concerns, chilli prices have risen by more than 30% in the last two to three weeks across various markets in Telangana and Guntur," the RKPA said, adding that "there is a strong need to control Thrips, which feed on the lower surface of red chilies and are primarily responsible for leaf curl disease." These pests, if not controlled, can reduce yield by 30 to 50%, resulting in significant losses for growers."