The havoc caused by insects on farmers’ crops is no longer as effective as before. The Agriculture Department has started promoting such technology. Due to which the insects automatically get trapped in the net and get destroyed. The name of this new technology is Pheromone Trap, which is proving to be a boon for the farmers. Its special thing is that no poisonous chemical or pesticide is used in it. It provides fast and effective protection from pests that damage crops. An increase in production is also being seen due to its use.
how does it work
Pheromone traps are very easy to use. It does not require any kind of medicine or spray. A special secretion (lior) is placed inside the trap. Whose smell attracts pod boring insects. Following the smell, insects enter the trap and get trapped there and get destroyed. According to agricultural scientists, the incidence of insects that bore into pods and lay eggs has increased in recent years, hence this technique is proving to be extremely effective.
What is pheromone trap?
Pheromones are chemical messengers that insects release to attract other insects of their own species. Pheromone trap is based on this natural principle. In this, a chemical called System Messenger is kept in a rubbery lure, the smell of which attracts pod borer insects. As soon as the insect reacts to this smell, it gets trapped in the trap and dies there.
In which crops is it used?
Pheromone traps are mainly used in these crops – brinjal, gram, pigeon pea, sugarcane, tomato, pea, maize, moong, cabbage, ridge gourd and okra. There is a high incidence of pod borer and fruit borer insects in these crops, hence this technique is considered especially effective for these crops.
Rapidly increasing usage in Siwan
A comprehensive awareness campaign regarding pheromone traps is being run by the Agriculture Department in Siwan district. Farmers have started planting it in their fields after watching its videos and participating in training programs. Many farmers said that after setting the trap, the number of pests suddenly reduces and the effect becomes visible within 8–10 days. This remedy is proving to be cheaper, safer and more beneficial than medicine.
Better and more effective tool than medicine
Assistant Director Plant Protection Amit Shekhar said that this trap is giving excellent results in pest control. He said that while repeated drug spraying increases costs and also causes harm to the environment, pheromone traps are a safe and sustainable option. For this reason, farmers are adopting it rapidly.
Grant will be given under the scheme
Regarding pheromone trap, Assistant Director of Plant Protection, Amit Shekhar told in a special conversation with Local 18 that this is a scheme available under the Upadan scheme. Farmers can apply online through DBT. About 4 to 5 pheromone trap kits are installed in one acre. Three lire (rubbery discharge) are given along with one kit. The government is providing subsidy up to 75 percent of the total cost. Now the subsidy amount is not being paid directly to the farmers but to the vendors, due to which the farmers are not burdened with additional expenses.
