Enhancing Sugarcane Yield And Sustainability Through Integrated Nutrient Management (INM)

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June 15, 2023

Defeating Cotton Thrips: A Guide For Successful Management

If you’re facing concerns about cotton thrips affecting your crop, worry no more. We are here to provide you with valuable information and guidance on how to effectively deal with these pesky insects. You can identify them by their narrow, elongated body and fringed wings. Hot and dry conditions favor the growth and development of thrips. Equip yourself with knowledge by diving into this informative resource and tackle the challenges posed by cotton thrips.

Type of Infestation

Both nymphs and adults suck the sap from leaves and cause damage to cotton plants.

Scientific Name: Thrips tabaci

Most Affected States Due to Cotton Thrips

We can see cotton thrips in all cotton growing areas, but some of the most affected states include Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh.

Symptoms of Cotton Thrips

Both nymphs and adults suck the sap from the lower and upper surface of the cotton leaves.
In case of severe infestation, the affected leaves may curl up and crumble.
During the early stages of an attack, a silvery sheen can be observed on the lower surface of the leaves.
They also transmit tobacco leaf streak virus in cotton.

Cotton Thrips Control Measures

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods offer a comprehensive approach to effectively manage and control cotton thrips. This multifaceted strategy encompasses a range of techniques, including cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical measures, providing a holistic solution for thrips control in cotton cultivation.

Cotton Thrips Cultural Measures

Remove weeds and other debris in and around cotton fields regularly to reduce their population.
Avoid using excessive amounts of nitrogen fertilizers, as this can lead to succulent growth which encourages thrips population.
Maintain healthy plant growth by providing proper irrigation and adequate nutrients, which helps to reduce the impact of thrips on cotton crops.

Mechanical Measures

Remove and destroy the infested plant parts.
Tapas Yellow Sticky Trap can be used to control thrips in cotton field. Install 6-8 traps per acre for effective management.

Cotton Thrips Biological Measures

Kaybee Pesto Raze Insecticide is a bio pesticide containing botanical extracts, which has contact, partially systemic and fumigant actions on vast class of soft bodied insects including cotton thrips. To effectively control cotton thrips, spray Pesto raze insecticide at the rate of 2 ml per liter of water during early morning or late evening hours.
Control TRM Bio Pesticide is an organic blend of botanical extracts and alkaloids which has biological and toxicological properties. It is an effective product for controlling cotton thrips. The recommended dosage is 1.5-2 ml per liter of water.
Greenpeace Neemol Bio Neem Oil Insecticide contains neem-based products azadirachtin which when used at the rate of 1-2 ml per liter of water with 15 days interval between each spray can effectively control thrips in cotton fields.
Amruth Alestra Liquid and Amruth Almax Liquid are biological insecticides containing the strains of naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungi Verticillium lecanii and Beauveria bassiana respectively, which comes in contact with the cuticle of the cotton thrips and colonizes them. The recommended dosage is 2 ml per liter of water.

Cotton Thrips Chemical Measures

If the cotton thrips infestation becomes severe, it is necessary to take action to control their population. One effective approach is the utilization of commercial chemical insecticides. Below are some examples of insecticides commonly employed for controlling cotton thrips:

Product Name	Technical Content	Dosage
Delegate Insecticide	Spinetoram 11.7 % SC	0.9 ml/lit water
Admire Insecticide	Imidacloprid 70% WG	0.3 gm/lit water
Karate Insecticide	Lambdacyhalothrin 5% EC	1.5 ml/lit water
Nurelle D Insecticide	Chlorpyriphos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% EC	2 ml/lit water
Katyayani Thioxam	Thiamethoxam 25% WG	0.4 gm/lit water
Shinzen Plus Insecticide	Fipronil 5 % SC	3 ml/lit water
Benevia Insecticide	Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD	1 ml/lit water
Osheen Insecticide	Dinotefuran 20 % SG	0.5 gm/lit water
Keefun Insecticide	Tolfenpyrad 15% EC	1.5-2 ml/lit of water
Anshul Ikon Insecticide	Acetamiprid 20% S.P	0.5 gm/lit of water
Tracer Insecticide	Spinosad 44.03% SC	0.3 ml/lit of water
Tafgor Insecticide	Dimethoate 30% EC	2 ml/lit of water
Marshal Insecticide	Carbosulfan 25% EC	2.5 ml/lit water

Management Of Insect Pests In Cotton– Click Here

Tackling Tobacco Caterpillars In Cotton: Effective Strategies For Crop Protection

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June 10, 2023

Tackling Tobacco Caterpillars In Cotton: Effective Strategies For Crop Protection

Spodoptera litura, commonly known as tobacco caterpillar or tobacco cutworm, is a notorious pest that poses a significant threat to cotton cultivation by impacting crop yield and quality. This polyphagous insect feeds voraciously on cotton leaves leading to defoliation and reduced yields. With its ability to complete multiple generations within a season and the challenge of insecticide resistance, effective management strategies are crucial. This article will explore the impact of tobacco caterpillars on cotton crops and various management measures to tackle their infestations.

The larva of the tobacco caterpillar can be identified by its pale greenish color with dark markings and adult moths have wavy white markings on a brown forewing. The larvae feed mainly during the night and seek protection by taking refuge in the soil during the day. Warm and humid climate, monocropping and late sowing are some of the favorable conditions for tobacco caterpillar infestation.

Type of Infestation

Tobacco caterpillar infests the cotton crop by feeding on the leaves, leading to defoliation and skeletonization of leaves.

Scientific Name: Spodoptera litura

Most Affected States

The exact distribution of Tobacco caterpillar in India is not well documented. However, they are known pests of cotton plants and are likely all cotton growing regions of the country.

Symptoms of Tobacco Caterpillars in Cotton

In the initial stage larvae feed gregariously on the leaf where the egg mass is deposited.
They scrape the epidermal layer of the leaves, resulting in skeletonization leaving only veins and midribs.
Skeletonized leaves may eventually dry out.
In later stages, larvae consume most of the leaf tissues and in severe cases only stem and side shoots can be seen remaining in the field without any leaf or bolls.
Once squares, flowers and bolls emerge, the larvae prefer to eat these rather than leaves. They bore into them, consuming the internal contents completely, which leads to the shedding of squares and young bolls.

Tobacco Caterpillars in Cotton Control Measures

Effective management of Tobacco caterpillars requires a combination of cultural, Physical, Mechanical, biological and chemical control measures.

Cultural Measures

Deep summer ploughing exposes the pupae to natural enemies and high temperatures.
Grow trap crops like castor along the borders of cotton field.
Early planting can avoid peak populations of tobacco caterpillars.
Removing the weeds and other debris can reduce the incidence of tobacco cutworms.
Proper nutrition management, including balanced fertilization and irrigation can also help to reduce the susceptibility of cotton plants to Spodoptera attacks.
Erect bird perches to encourage predatory birds.

Tobacco Caterpillars in Cotton Physical Measures

Light Traps play a major role in monitoring and killing adult tobacco caterpillar. Install Farmoguard Solar Light Trap in the fields at the rate of one per acre.

Mechanical Measures

Handpicking the caterpillars and destroying them is an effective way to reduce the population of tobacco cutworms.
Collect and destroy the egg masses from cotton as well as castor crops.
Tapas Tobacco Caterpillar Lure can be used to attract and trap adult Spodoptera moths. Install Funnel Trap with Spodo-O-Lure at the rate of 6 per acre for effective trapping.

Tobacco Caterpillars in Cotton Biological Measures

Delfin Bio Insecticide contains Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki which when sprayed at the rate of 1 gm per liter of water can effectively control Spodoptera in cotton.
Albata Royal Larvend is a bio larvicide or bio pesticide containing 100% organic plant derived solutions that is highly effective against all pests going through the larval stage. The recommended dosage is 2 ml per liter of water. In case of heavy infestation, repeat the spray every 7-10 days.
SUN BIO SLNPV is a viral insecticide based on Polyhedral Occluded Bodies of Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus of Spodoptera litura. When sprayed, caterpillars get infected by virus and eventually die. For better results, spray SUN BIO SLNPV at 0.5 to 1ml per liter of water in the early morning or late evening hours.
Ecotin Insecticide is a neem based biological insecticide containing Azadirachtin, which can be used effectively to control Spodoptera. The recommended dosage is 0.4 – 0.7ml per liter of water.

Chemical Measures

Chemical measures include the application of commercial insecticides to control tobacco cutworms. Insecticides that can be used to control are mentioned below,

Product Name	Technical Content	Dosage
Coragen Insecticide	Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC	0.3 ml/lit of water
Katyayani Chakrawarti	Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambda cyhalothrin 9.5% ZC	0.4 ml/lit water
Largo Insecticide	Spinetoram 11.7% SC	0.9 ml/lit water
Fluton Insecticide	Flubendiamide 20% WG	0.5 gm/lit water
Godrej Gracia Insecticide	Fluxametamide 10% EC	0.8 ml/lit water
Starclaim Insecticide	Emamectin benzoate 5% SG	0.5 gm/lit water
Keefun Insecticide	Tolfenpyrad 15% EC	2 ml/lit water
Benevia Insecticide	Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD	1.8 ml/lit water

Post Harvest Disease Management In Mango

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June 9, 2023

Post Harvest Disease Management In Mango

As you enjoy a bountiful mango harvest from your farm and eagerly anticipate the summer profits, there’s a crucial matter that demands your immediate attention.

Did you know that your mangoes are still at risk even after being plucked from the trees? Yes, it is. Post harvest Mango diseases such Anthracnose, Stem End Rot and Aspergillus Rot can pose a threat to your mangoes and potentially affect your earnings by reducing marketability.

Don’t let your profits wipe off! Identify the factors that favour their development, spot the signs early and implement effective control measures to secure your hard-earned success.

Common Post-Harvest Mango Diseases

Anthracnose in Mango

Anthracnose is a common fungal disease caused by the fungi Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. It is highly prevalent in regions with frequent rainfall during mango fruit development and maturity. The disease spreads through spores that are dispersed by wind, rain, insects and pruning tools. The spores can enter the mango tree through wounds.

Fruits can become infected at any time when weather conditions are favourable, such as optimal temperatures (20-30°C), high relative humidity, prolonged rainfall or heavy dew.

Symptoms of Anthracnose in Mango

Anthracnose disease affects leaves, twigs, young flowers and fruits causing blighted foliage, blossom blight, withered tip and fruit rot.
Anthracnose affected fruits will show dark, irregular sunken lesions or spots on the fruit surface. These lesions may start small and gradually grow larger leading to fruit rot.
They often have a slightly raised, corky texture.
The whole fruit may turn black and shrivel under severe infection.
In some cases, anthracnose infection can lead to gumming or oozing of a dark-colored sap from infected areas on the fruit, leaves, or twigs.

Stem End Rot in Mango

Stem end rot is caused by the soil borne fungus Lasiodiplodia theobromae. The disease primarily targets the stem end or pedicel region of the fruit. This disease incidence is favoured by high temperature and rainfall.

Symptoms of Stem End Rot in Mango

Infected fruits exhibit dark brown to black discoloration at the stem end, spreading towards the upper portion of the fruit.
The affected area appears sunken or depressed, often surrounded by a water-soaked margin.
Under humid conditions, these affected areas rapidly expand and within just a couple of days, the entire fruit turns completely black.
As the disease progresses, an unpleasant odor may be emitted from the decaying fruit.

Aspergillus Rot / Black Mould Rot in Mango

Aspergillus rot, also known as black mould rot, is caused by various species of the fungus Aspergillus sp. The fungus primarily infects ripe or overripe fruits, particularly those that have cut surface or wounds or injured during harvesting or handling. The disease development is more prevalent under high temperature (30 – 36°C).

Symptoms of Aspergillus Rot in Mango

Greenish-black or grayish-green mould growth on the fruit’s surface.
As the disease progresses, the infected areas become sunken or depressed, often with a soft, decayed texture beneath the mouldy surface.
Affected fruits may emit a characteristic musty or moldy smell.
The fungus may produce abundant spores, which form a dusty or powdery black fungal layer on the fruit surface.

Management of Post Harvest Mango Diseases

Pre-harvest Management

Regularly remove and destroy infected plant debris, fallen fruits and diseased plant material from the orchard.
Do not harvest immature fruits.
Harvest the fruits with 10 mm stalk (in case of stem end rot).
Spray Carbendazim 50% DF (2 gm/lit of water) or Thiophanate methyl 70% WP (0.5 gm/lit of water) or Mancozeb 75% WP (3 – 4 gm/lit of water) at weekly interval during flowering, followed by monthly sprays until harvest. Cease spraying 14 days before harvest.
During dry weather, flower sprays can be reduced to 2 weeks intervals.
Spraying Copper oxychloride at 2 g/lit of water can also help control anthracnose. However, avoid using copper oxychloride during flowering.

Post-harvest Management

Dip the fruit within 24 hours of harvest in hot water at a temperature of 52°C combined with 0.5 – 1 ml of Carbendazim per liter of water. Treat the fruits by fully submerging them for 15 minutes in this dip solution.
Store the fruits in a well-ventilated place.
Handle mangoes with care during harvest to minimize physical damage that can provide entry points for fungal infection.
Avoid long term storage of fruits from the orchards with history of stem rot losses.

(Note: The dipping temperature should not exceed 52°C to avoid skin damage. During wet weather condition, reduce the temperature to 50°C)

Explore our guide to profitable mango farming: Healthy Trees, Bounty Harvest.

Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Benefits and Application Process

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June 9, 2023

The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme, introduced in 1998, has been a significant initiative in providing timely and adequate credit to farmers in India. The scheme is implemented by various agencies, including cooperative banks, regional rural banks, scheduled commercial banks and small finance banks, with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) acting as the nodal agency. The core objective of the KCC Scheme is to address the credit requirements of farmers and support them in meeting their agricultural and allied needs.

Scheme Overview

Scheme Name: Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme
Scheme Launch Year: 1998
Scheme Fund Allocated: The scheme does not have a fixed allocation of funds as it depends on the financial institution providing the credit.
Type of Scheme: Central Government of India
Website to apply: The application process varies depending on the issuing bank or financial institution.
Scheme Type: National Scheme
Covered States: The KCC Credit Card covers all states across India, including Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal.

Features of KCC Scheme

Loan Amount: Farmers can avail of loans of up to Rs. 3 lakhs, enabling them to meet their financial requirements.
Loan Repayment Period: The credit facility is available for a period of up to 3 years, allowing farmers to repay the loan over a reasonable timeframe.
Collateral Requirement: For loans up to Rs. 1.60 lakhs, no collateral is required, easing the burden of providing additional security.
Card Validity: The Kisan Credit Card Scheme is valid for 5 years, subject to an annual review to ensure continued eligibility and creditworthiness.
ATM-enabled RuPay Card: The KCC credit card comes with an ATM-enabled RuPay Card, enabling farmers to access their funds conveniently.
Insurance Coverage: The scheme provides insurance coverage of up to Rs. 50,000 for permanent disability or death and up to Rs. 25,000 for other risks, providing a safety net for unforeseen circumstances.
Built-in Cost Escalation: The PM Kisan Credit Card incorporates a provision for built-in cost escalation, considering the inflationary impact on agricultural activities.
Flexible Withdrawals: Farmers can make any number of withdrawals within the prescribed credit limit, facilitating their cash flow requirements.
Applicable Lending Rate to Farmers: 7% Rate of Interest
Additional Interest Subvention: Farmers who repay their kisan credit card loan on time receive an additional interest subvention of 3% per annum which means the effective rate of interest for those will be 4 %.

Benefits of Kisan Credit Card

Covers various activities: The credit can be availed for short-term credit requirement viz, cultivation of crops, post-harvest expenses, produce marketing loans, consumption requirements of households, maintenance of farm assets and activities allied to agriculture, investment credit for agriculture and allied activities.
Accessibility: The scheme ensures that farmers have access to timely and adequate credit, allowing them to meet their various agricultural and allied needs.
No Collateral Requirement: For loans up to Rs. 1.60 lakhs, farmers are relieved from the burden of providing collateral, making credit more accessible to a wider range of farmers.
Financial Security: The insurance coverage provided under the scheme offers financial security to farmers and their families in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Simplified Banking: The KCC comes with an ATM-enabled RuPay Card, enabling farmers to withdraw funds conveniently and perform transactions at various locations.
Affordable Interest Rates: With a lending rate of 7% and interest subvention to lending institutions, the KCC Scheme offers credit at affordable rates to farmers.
Encouragement for Timely Repayment: The additional interest subvention of 3% per annum incentivizes farmers to repay their loans on time, promoting financial discipline and reducing the burden of interest.

Drawback of the Scheme

While the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme has proven to be beneficial for a majority of farmers, it may not be as useful for those who do not engage in agricultural activities, allied activities, non-farming activities, animal husbandry, or fisheries. The scheme primarily targets individuals involved in these sectors, which may limit its applicability to certain segments of the farming community.

How to Apply for the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme?

To apply for the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme, follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the website or branch of the bank or financial institution offering the KCC scheme.
Step 2: Obtain the Kisan Credit Card apply form.
Step 3: Fill in the required details accurately, providing the necessary information about your agricultural activities and financial needs in the kisan credit card kcc form.
Step 4: Attach the required documents, such as proof of identity, proof of address and land documents.
Step 5: Submit the completed application form along with the documents to the bank or financial institution.
Step 6: The bank or financial institution will process the application and issue the Kisan Credit Card within 14 days.

For the Kisan credit card online apply, visit the Kisan credit card official website where you can complete the entire process online.

Kisan Credit Card Documents Required

Proof of identity (Aadhaar card, voter ID, etc.)
Proof of address (electricity bill, ration card, driving license, etc.)
Land documents (ownership documents, tenancy agreement, lease agreement, etc.)
Passport-size photographs
Any other documents required by the bank or financial institution for the application process.

Conclusion

The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme has played a vital role in providing farmers with accessible and affordable credit to meet their agricultural and allied needs. By simplifying the credit process, offering insurance coverage and providing an ATM-enabled RuPay Card, the scheme has significantly benefited the agricultural sector and improved the financial well-being of farmers across India. Kisan Credit Card Yojana primarily targets individuals engaged in agriculture-related activities, it remains an important tool for empowering farmers and supporting their livelihoods

Explore our article on the Soil Health Card Scheme to understand its benefits, how it works, and its impact on improving soil health for better farming.

Management Of Aphids In Cotton

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June 9, 2023

As you walk through your cotton fields, have you noticed small pests feasting on your cotton crops, sapping their vitality and hindering their growth? These pesky intruders are none other than cotton aphids.

They are small, sap-sucking insects that pose a significant challenge to cotton cultivation worldwide. With their sap sucking behavior, cotton aphids can stunt plant growth, lead to gradual drying and even cause stunt growth. But, by implementing IPM strategies you can effectively combat cotton aphids and safeguard the health and productivity of your cotton fields. In this article, we will explore the impact of cotton aphids and provide practical solutions for managing these tiny but destructive pests.

Type of Infestation

Cotton Aphids are a type of sap feeder, which feeds on the sap of the cotton plants.

Scientific Name: Aphis gossypii

Most Affected States Due to Cotton Aphids

Aphids are most common pest of cotton in many regions of India. Some of the major affected state in India include Assam, Orissa, West Bengal, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Symptoms of Cotton Aphids

Cotton aphids mainly infest tender shoots and undersurface of the leaves of cotton plants.
They suck the sap from plants and cause stunted growth.
As a result of sucking, gradual drying can be seen which eventually leads to death of the cotton plants.
The infested plants may also develop sooty mould growth, which is a result of the honeydew excreted by cotton aphids

Cotton Aphids Control Measures

Cotton Aphids can be controlled by practicing Integrated Pest Management methods which includes cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical measures.

Cultural Measures

Regularly remove weeds and other debris in and around cotton fields.
Avoid applying excessive dozes of nitrogenous fertilizers.
Proper nutrition management, including balanced fertilization and irrigation can also help to reduce the susceptibility of cotton plants to aphids’ attacks.

Mechanical Measures

Collect and destroy the infected plant parts.
Tapas Yellow Sticky Traps at the rate of 6-8 traps per acre can be used for the effective control of aphids in cotton fields.

Cotton Aphids Biological Measures

Release natural predators such as lady bird beetles, green lacewing, hoverflies and spiders etc. These predators feed on aphids and can help to keep their numbers in check.
Also release parasitoid like Aphelinus sp., to effectively control cotton aphids’ populations.
Greenpeace Neemol Bio Neem Oil Insecticide contains neem-based products azadirachtin which when used at the rate of 1-2 ml per liter of water with 15 days interval between each spray can effectively control aphids in cotton fields.
Amruth Alestra Liquid and Amruth Almax Liquid are biological insecticides containing the strains of naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungi Verticillium lecanii and Beauveria bassiana respectively, which comes in contact with the cuticle of the cotton aphids and colonizes them. The recommended dosage is 2 ml per liter of water.

Cotton Aphids Chemical Measures

Chemical control is often necessary to control cotton aphids when other control measures are not effective. The following are some commercial chemicals that are commonly used to control aphids in cotton crops:

Product Name	Technical Content	Dosage
Battalion Insecticide	Thiamethoxam 25% WG	0.5 gm/lit water
Anant Insecticide	Thiamethoxam 25% WG	0.5 gm/lit water
Katyayani IMD – 178	Imidacloprid 17.8 % SL	0.25 ml/lit water
Ulala Insecticide	Flonicamid 50% WG	0.4 gm/lit water
Pager Insecticide	Diafenthiuron 50% WP	1 gm/lit water
HI field AG Pyramid Insecticide	Acetamaprid 20% SP	0.5 gm/lit water
Alika Insecticide	Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambda-cyhalothrin 9.5% ZC	0.4 ml/lit of water
Shinzen Plus Insecticide	Fipronil 5% SC	3-4 ml/lit of water
Tafgor Insecticide	Dimethoate 30% EC	2 ml/lit of water
Benevia Insecticide	Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD	1.8 ml/lit water
Osheen Insecticide	Dinotefuran 20 % SG	0.75 gm/lit water
Sivanto Bayer Insecticide	Flupyradifurone 17.09% SL	2 ml/lit water

Management of Mites in Cotton- CLICK HERE

Integrated Management Strategies For American Bollworm In Cotton Crops

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June 9, 2023

Integrated Management Strategies For American Bollworm In Cotton Crops

Are you concerned about the impact of American bollworm on your valuable cotton crops? Uncover vital information and proven strategies to combat this persistent pest by exploring the insights provided in this article!

Helicoverpa armigera, commonly known as the American bollworm, poses a significant challenge to agricultural productivity particularly in the cultivation of cotton crops. It is one of the destructive pests in agriculture. This voracious insect pest is notorious for its wide range of host plants and ability to cause substantial yield losses if left unmanaged. In cotton, their population normally peaks during boll development stage, which results in high yield loss.

Type of Infestation

American bollworm infests the cotton crop by feeding on all parts of the plant and leading to reduced yield.

Scientific Name: Helicoverpa armigera

Most Affected States

Helicoverpa armigera is found throughout the country, but the most affected states are Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

Symptoms of American Bollworm in Cotton

The larva of American bollworm feeds on all parts of plants including leaves, squares, flowers and small bolls.
In the early stage, larva feeds on the tender leaves.
Whereas in the later stage, they feed on the internal content of squares or bolls by thrusting their head inside while leaving the rest of the body outside.
The presence of bore holes with frass material excreted by larva can be seen on the infested bolls.
As a result of damage, the affected squares and bolls fall off from the plants.

American Bollworm in Cotton Control Measures

A combination of different control measures is often required to effectively manage American bollworm infestations in cotton crops. The following are some common IPM practices used to control American bollworms.

Cultural Measures

Cultivate Helicoverpa resistant cotton varieties like L1245, LD135, Sujata, LK861 and Abadhita etc.
Deep summer ploughing exposes the hibernating insects to the sun and predatory birds.
Avoid the practice of repeatedly cultivating cotton in the same area during both winter and summer seasons.
Grow intercrops like greengram, blackgram, soyabean, castor, sorghum etc., with cotton to reduce the bollworm infestation.
Erect bird perches to encourage predatory birds.
Proper nutrition management, including balanced fertilization and irrigation can also help to reduce the susceptibility of cotton plants to American bollworm attacks.

Physical Measures

Light Traps play a major role in trapping adult American bollworm insects. Install Farmoguard Solar Light Trap in the fields at the rate of one per acre.

American Bollworm in Cotton Mechanical Measures

Hand picking and destroying the caterpillar is an effective way to reduce American bollworm population.
Remove and destroy the crop residues to prevent the carry-over of pests to the next season.
Tapas Helico Cotton Bollworm Lure can be used to attract and trap American bollworm. Install Funnel Trap with Helic-O-Lure at the rate of 6 per acre for effective trapping.

Biological Measures

Encourage bio control agents like an egg parasitoid, Trichogramma sp., at 2.5cc per acre at 15 days interval 3 times from 45 days after sowing.
We can also release an egg larval parasitoid Chelonus blackburnii and the predator Chrysoperla to keep the American bollworm population in check.
Vedagna Nobor Bio Insecticide is a combination of biological inputs containing natural plant extracts which imparts resistance against American bollworm. The recommended dosage is 2.5-3 ml per liter of water.
Delfin Bio Insecticide contains Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki which when sprayed at the rate of 1 gm per liter of water can effectively control Helicoverpa in cotton.
Farmroot HeraNPV is a viral insecticide based on Polyhedral Occluded Bodies of Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus of Helicoverpa armigera. When sprayed, caterpillars get infected by virus and eventually die. For better results, spray HeraNPV at 0.5 to 1 ml per liter of water in the early morning or late evening hours.

American Bollworm in Cotton Chemical Measures

In case of severe infestation, chemical management may be necessary. Some of the commercial chemicals used for controlling American bollworms are mentioned in the table below,

Product Name	Technical Content	Dosage
Delegate insecticide	Spinetoram 11.7% SC	0.9 – 1 ml/lit water
Plethora Insecticide	Novaluron 5.25% + Indoxacarb 4.5% SC	2 ml/lit water
Rimon Insecticide	Novaluron 10 % EC	2 ml/lit water
Fluton Insecticide	Flubendiamide 20% WG	0.5 gm/lit water
Vesticor Insecticide	Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC	0.3 ml/lit water
Coragen Insecticide	Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC	0.3 ml/lit water
Tracer Insecticide	Spinosad 44.03% SC	0.3-0.4 ml/lit of water
Cigna Insecticide	Lufenuron 5.4 % EC	2 ml/lit water
Starclaim Insecticide	Emamectin benzoate 5% SG	0.5 gm/lit water

Defeating Cotton Thrips: A Guide For Successful Management – See More

Production Linked Incentives Scheme For Food Processing Industry For Millets Based Production (PLISMBP)

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June 9, 2023

The Production Linked Incentives Scheme for Food Processing Industry for Millets based production (PLISMBP) was launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) as a sub-component of the PLI Scheme for Food Processing Industry. The scheme aims to encourage the use of millets in Ready to Cook/Ready to Eat (RTC/RTE) products and promote their value addition and sales in the domestic and export markets.

Scheme Overview

Scheme Name: Production Linked Incentives Scheme for Food Processing Industry for Millets based production (PLISMBP)
Scheme Modified/Implemented: 2022
Scheme Fund Allocated: Rs. 800 crores (Rs. 500 crore for incentives to Large Entity, Rs 300 crore for incentives to MSME)
Type of Government Scheme: Central Government Scheme

Features of PLISMBP Scheme

Costing:

Outlay: Rs 800 crores
Tenure: 2022-23 to 2026-27

Eligibility:

Applicant: Proprietary Firm, Partnership Firm / Limited Liability Partnership / Company registered in India, Co-operatives, MSME
Classification: MSME and Large Entity
Minimum Sales for Eligibility for Large Entity: Rs 250 Crores
Minimum Sales for Eligibility for MSME: Rs 2 Crores
Udyam Registration Certificate is compulsory for MSMEs
Minimum CAGR of 10% on sales of eligible products required for grant of incentive

Incentives:

Large Entity: Up to Rs 100 crore of allocated outlay
MSME: Up to Rs 40 crore of allocated outlay

4. Implemented through Project Management Agencies and monitored by Empowered Group of Secretaries:

In the Production Linked Incentives Scheme for Food Processing Industry for Millets-based production (PLISMBP), the base year plays a crucial role in calculating sales, incremental sales and the corresponding incentives. Let’s take a closer look at the base year allocation:

For the first three years of the scheme (2022-23 to 2024-25), the base year for calculation purposes is set as 2020-21. This means that the sales, incremental sales and incentives payable during this period will be evaluated and compared against the sales achieved in the base year.
As we move forward, the base year shifts for the fourth and fifth years. For the fourth year (2025-26), the base year considered will be 2022-23, and for the fifth year (2026-27), the base year will be 2023-24. This adjustment ensures that the scheme’s evaluation remains accurate and up to date as time progresses.

Latest News about the scheme

The scheme has gained attention in the news recently due to its focus on promoting millet-based products. Given 2023 being celebrated as the International Year of Millets (IYM), the scheme was introduced to encourage the use of millets in food products and increase their value addition. A global event and exhibition-cum-buyer-seller meet were organized in collaboration with APEDA to promote millets and attract domestic and international exporters.

Benefits

Encourages the use of millets in Ready to Cook/Ready to Eat products
Incentivizes value addition and sales of millet-based products in domestic and export markets
Promotes the consumption of millet and their nutritional benefits
Supports the growth of the food processing industry and generates employment opportunities

Drawback of the Scheme

The scheme may not be useful for farmers who primarily deal with primary processed millet commodities such as de-husked/polished millet grains, millet flours/atta, and colour-sorted millet grains as these products are excluded from the eligible food products list.

How to Apply?

To apply for the PLISMBP scheme, follow these steps

Visit the official website.
Fill the application
Attach the necessary documents.
Apply online.
Keep track of the status of your application through the provided application number.

Documents Required

Applicant’s registration certificate (proprietary firm, partnership firm / LLP / company)
Udyam Registration Certificate (for MSME applicants)
Sales data for the base year and subsequent years
Other relevant documents as specified

Conclusion

The Production Linked Incentives Scheme for Food Processing Industry for Millets-based production (PLISMBP) is a government initiative aimed at promoting millet-based products and increasing their value addition in the food processing industry. The scheme offers incentives to both MSMEs and large entities to encourage the use of millets in Ready to Cook/Ready to Eat (RTC/RTE) food products. By promoting the consumption of millet, the scheme contributes to the growth of the food processing sector and provides employment opportunities.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana

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June 9, 2023

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridi sah-Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi sah-Yojana (PMSSY) is a central sector scheme launched in 2023 by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. The scheme aims to enhance the earnings and incomes of fishermen, fish vendors and micro and small enterprises engaged in the fisheries sector.

Scheme Overview

Scheme Name: Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi sah-Yojana
Scheme Modified/Implemented: 2023
Scheme Fund Allocated: INR 6000 crores
Type of Government Scheme: Central scheme
Sponsored/Sector Scheme: Sector scheme
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying

Features of the Scheme

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi sah-Yojana offers the following key features:

Feature	Details
Formalization of the fisheries sector	Focus on expanding the domestic market and creating job opportunities for women
Digital inclusions	Facilitates access to institutional finance for capital investment and working capital
Incentives for reducing risk in aquaculture and fisheries	Promotes system and institution building to reduce risks and enhance efficiencies
Incentives for micro and small enterprises	Encourages microenterprises in fisheries and aquaculture to work on value chain efficiencies
Establishing supply chains for fish product delivery to consumers	Incentivizes micro and small enterprises to establish supply chains for the delivery of fish products

The scheme was recently launched in the year 2023. In the budget for FY 2023-24, a total of INR 2248.77 crore has been allocated to the Department of Fisheries, marking a significant increase of 38.45% over the budget of FY 2022-23. Furthermore, India has achieved remarkable growth in the fisheries sector, becoming the 3rd largest fish producer, 2nd largest aquaculture producer, and 4th largest exporter of fish and fisheries products.

Benefits of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi sah-Yojana

Enhances the earnings and incomes of fishermen, fish vendors and micro and small enterprises in the fisheries sector.
Expands the domestic market for fish products.
Provides incentives for job creation, especially for women in the sector.
Facilitates access to institutional finance for capital investment and working capital.
Reduces risks in aquaculture and fisheries operations.
Promotes value chain efficiencies and establishes supply chains for fish product delivery.

Drawback

It is important to note that the scheme’s effectiveness may vary based on specific circumstances and the segment of the fishing community. Some potential drawbacks may include:

The scheme may have limited impact if the fisherfolk belong to certain marginalized or remote communities that face challenges in accessing the benefits.
The scheme’s success depends on proper implementation and coordination at various levels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi sah-Yojana is a significant step towards boosting the earnings and incomes of fishermen, fish vendors and micro and small enterprises in the fisheries sector. With its focus on formalization, digital inclusion and incentives for value chain efficiencies, the scheme aims to expand the domestic market, create job opportunities for women and reduce risks in aquaculture and fisheries operations. The increase in budget allocation and India’s remarkable growth in the fisheries sector further highlight the government’s commitment to supporting and promoting this vital industry. However, it is crucial to ensure effective implementation and address any potential challenges to ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach all segments of the fishing community.

Soft Rot Threat: Protecting Ginger From Destruction

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June 8, 2023