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Cotton Disease Management: The Key To Higher Yields And Bigger Profits

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Cotton Disease Management: The Key to Higher Yields and Bigger Profits
Cotton Disease Management: The Key to Higher Yields and Bigger Profits

Cotton (Gossypium sp) is one of the most important fibre and cash crop in India. It is vulnerable to infections by pathogens like fungi, bacteria and viruses. All parts of the plants are infected and crop losses are common in the crop. Cotton diseases can significantly reduce crop yield and cotton quality leading to reduced profits for farmers.  

The severity of yield loss depends on the type of disease, the timing of infection, and the environmental conditions. The estimated average yield loss due to cotton diseases in India ranges from 10% to 15%. However, in severe outbreaks, yield losses can be as high as 50% or more. Effective disease management can help minimize crop losses and improve yield. 

The Major Diseases of Cotton having significant impact on cotton yield are as follows;

  1. Fusarium Wilt of Cotton:

Scientific name of causal agent: Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum 

Stage of occurrence: Affects at all stages of the crop 

Fusarium Wilt of Cotton Symptoms: 

  • Initially the symptoms appear as yellowing and browning of cotyledons and the base of petiole shows brown ring 
  • It is followed by wilting and drying of the affected seedlings 
  • Affected plant’s leaves loses turgidity, gradually turns brown, droops and finally drops off 
  • Tap roots are usually stunted with a smaller number of lateral roots. 
  • Vascular tissues show browning or blackening symptom and black streaks or stripes may extend upwards to the branches and downwards to the roots 
  • Affected plants become stunted with fewer bolls which are very small and opens before attaining maturity 

Favourable conditions for Fusarium wilt infection in cotton: 

Soil temperature of about 20 – 30°C, warm and dry weather followed by rain, high dosage of nitrogen and phosphatic fertilizers, black soils with high alkaline reactions, and wounds caused by nematode and grubs of ash weevil are favourable conditions for fusarium wilt infestation in cotton. 

  1. Verticillium wilt of Cotton:

    Symptom of Verticillium wilt in cotton
    Verticillium wilt in cotton

Scientific name of causal agent: Verticillium dahliae 

Stage of occurrence: Square and boll formation stage 

Verticillium Wilt of Cotton Symptoms: 

  • Early infection leads to stunted growth of the plant 
  • ‘Bronzing of veins’ followed by yellowing of leaves and interveinal chlorosis 
  • It is followed by yellowing of leaves and interveinal chlorosis 
  • Affected leaves dry up giving scorched appearance 
  • Drying of leaf margins and areas between the leaves gives “Tiger stripe” or “Tiger claw” appearance 
  • Branches remain barren due to falling of affected leaves 
  • When infected stems and roots are split open, pinkish appearance of woody tissue can be seen 
  • Affected plants may produce smaller bolls with immature lint 

Favourable conditions for Verticillium wilt infection in cotton: 

High nitrogen fertilization, heavy soil with alkaline reaction, low soil temperature (15-20°C), excessive soil moisture or poor drainage in soils, lack of crop rotation and presence of host crops like tomato, brinjal, chilli, bhendi can create favourable conditions for verticillium wilt infection. 

Management of Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt disease in cotton: 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per acre or per lit water) 
Biological Management 
Nanobee 7 Star Bio Fertilizer Beneficial Lyophilized Microbes Consortia: 1.5 %  Mix 25-50 gm/lit of water and keep it in shade for 3-5 hr. Then mix it in 200 lit of water 
Amruth Almonas Bio Fungicide Pseudomonas sp  2ml/lit water 
Terra Fungikill Herbal formulation    2 ml/lit water 
Ecoderma Bio Fungicide Trichoderma viride  Seed treatment: 10 gm/lit water 

Soil application: 2 – 3 kg Ecoderma +150 – 200 kg FYM 

Chemical management  
Benmain Fungicide Carbendazim 50% DF  Soil drenching: 2 gm/lit water 
Amistar Fungicide Azoxystrobin 23% SC  Drenching/Spraying: 0.5 – 1 ml/lit water 
Ridomil Gold Fungicide Metalaxyl 4% + Manconzeb 64% 

 

Soil application: 1 – 1.5 gm/lit water 
Taqat Fungicide Hexaconazole 5% + Captan 70% WP  Drenching: 2 gm/lit water 
Roko fungicide Thiophanate Methyl 70% w/w  Foliar spray: 1 gm/lit water  

Drenching: 2 – 4 gm/lit water 

Dithane M45 fungicide Mancozeb 75% WP  Spraying: 2 – 2.5 gm/lit water 

 

  1. Root rot of Cotton:

    Root rot in cotton
    Root rot in cotton

Scientific name of causal agent: Rhizoctonia bataticola 

Stage of occurrence: Seedling to vegetative stage 

Root Rot of Cotton Symptoms: 

3 types of symptoms caused by the pathogen – Seedling disease, sore shin and root rot   

Seedling stage:  

  • Germinated seedling affected by the fungus shows black lesions on hypocotyl 
  • Causes girdling of stem and death of affected seedling 

Sore shin stage: 

  • Dark reddish-brown canker appears on stem near soil surface, later turning black 
  • Drying of leaves and entire plant due to plant breakage at the collar region 

Root rot: 

  • Bark of affected plant shreds and may extend above ground level 
  • Dark brown sclerotia appears on the wood or on the shredded bark 
  • Entire root system becomes rotted, plants dry and can be easily pulled out 

Favourable conditions for root rot infection in cotton: 

Heavy rainfall followed by dry weather, high soil temperature of about 35 – 39°C, presence of host crop like vegetables, growing cotton after cultivation of oilseeds and legumes, wound caused by nematodes and ash weevil grubs increases root rot disease incidence. 

Management of root rot disease in cotton: 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per acre or per lit water) 
Biological Management 
Nanobee 7 Star Bio Fertilizer Beneficial Lyophilized Microbes Consortia: 1.5 %  Mix 25-50gm/lit of water and kept it in shade for 3-5 hr. Then mix it in 200 lit of water 
Multiplex Nisarga Trichoderma viride 1.5% WP   1 – 2 kg Multiplex Nisarga + 100 kg FYM 
Ecomonas Bio Pesticide Pseudomonas fluorescens  Drenching:10 gm/lit water 

Soil application: 10 – 15 gm/lit 

Anand Dr Bacto’s Herz Spores and conidia of Mycoparasitic Fungi  10 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Vitavax powder 75% Fungicide Carboxin 37.5% + Thiram 37.5% DS  Seed treatment: 3 gm/kg seed 
Dhanustin Fungicide Carbendazim 50% WP  Drenching: 0.5 – 0.75 gm/lit water 
Sprint Fungicide Mancozeb 50% + Carbendazim 25% WS  Drenching: 2.5 to 3 gm/lit water 
Katyayani Samartha Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP  Spraying: 1.5 – 2 gm/lit water 

 

  1. Areolate mildew / Grey Mildew of Cotton:

Scientific name of causal agent: Ramularia areola  

Stage of occurrence: Seedling to Reproductive stage  

Symptoms of Areolate or Grey mildew in cotton: 

  • Irregular to angular pale translucent lesions appear on the lower surface of affected leaf 
  • Light green or yellow green specks appear on the upper leaf surface 
  • Whitish grey powdery growth appears on the lower surface, later coalesce and cover the entire leaf surface 
  • Under severe infection, white/grey powdery growth may occur on the upper leaf surface 
  • Affected chilli leaves dry up from margin, curl inward, turn yellow and fall off prematurely. 

Favourable conditions for Grey / Areolate mildew infection in cotton: 

Wet humid conditions, Low temperature (20 – 30°C), close planting, very early or very late sowing of cotton, intermittent rains and excessive application of nitrogenous fertilizers may increase grey mildew infection in cotton field. 

Management of Grey mildew in cotton: 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Biological Management 
Amruth Abacil Liquid Bacillus subtilis 2% A.S  1 ml/lit water 
Chemical Fungicide 
Amistar Top Fungicide Azoxystrobin 18.2% + Difenoconazole 11.4% SC  Foliar: 1 ml/lit water 
Taqat Fungicide Hexaconazole 5% + Captan 70% WP  Foliar: 2 gm/lit water 
CM 75 Fungicide Carbendazim 13%+Mancozeb 63%  Foliar: 1.5 gm/lit water 
Bavistin Fungicide Carbendazim 50% WP  Foliar: 0.5 ml/lit water 
Ergon Fungicide Ergon 44.3% SC  Foliar: 0.6 ml/lit water 

 

  1. Anthracnose of Cotton:

    Symptom of anthracnose on cotton boll
    Symptom of anthracnose on cotton boll

Scientific name of causal agent: Colletotrichum gossypii 

Stage of occurrence: All growth stages 

Anthracnose of Cotton Symptoms: 

  • This disease affects all parts of the cotton plant 
  • Small reddish circular spots appear on the cotyledon and primary leaves of seedlings 
  • Causes seedlings to wilt and dry 
  • In affected mature plants, stem splitting and shredding of bark can be seen 
  • “Boll spotting” is the most cotton symptom 
  • Sunken, circular, reddish-brown spots appear on the bolls and the infected boll stops to grow, burst and dry up.  

Favourable conditions for Anthracnose infection in cotton: 

Prolonged rainfall during the boll formation stage, presence of crop debris, weed hosts and close planting may be favourable for anthracnose infection in cotton. 

Management of Anthracnose in cotton: 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Biological Management 
Terra Fungikill Herbal formulation    2 ml/lit water 
Sonkul Sun Bio Monus Pseudomonas fluorescens  5 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Borogold Fungicide Combination of Nano Silver Particles & Peroxy Acid  Spraying; 1.5 gm/lit water 
Turf fungicide Carbendazim 12 % + Mancozeb 63 % WP  Drenching/Spraying: 1.8 – 2.5 gm/lit water 
Taqat Fungicide Hexaconazole 5% + Captan 70% WP  Drenching: 2 gm/lit water 
Splash Fungicide Chlorothalonil 75% WP    Spray: 2 ml/lit water 
Dhanustin Fungicide Carbendazim 50% WP  Drenching/Spraying: 0.5 – 0.8 gm/lit water 

 

  1. Alternaria leaf blight of Cotton:

Alternaria leaf blight on cotton
Alternaria leaf blight on cotton

Scientific name of causal agent: Alternaria macrospora 

Stage of occurrence: Vegetative and Reproductive stage 

Alternaria leaf blight of Cotton Symptoms: 

  • Small, brown, irregular or round spots appear on the leaves 
  • Central lesion of each spot may be surrounded by concentric rings 
  • These spots coalesce together, and form blighted areas 
  • Affected cotton leaves become brittle and fall 
  • In case of severe infection, spots may appear on bracts and bolls. 

Favourable conditions for Alternaria leaf blight infection in cotton: 

High humidity, temperature of about 25 – 28°C, intermittent rainfall, wet foliage, dense planting and presence of crop residues due to lack of field sanitation create favourable conditions for Alternaria leaf blight infection in cotton. 

Management of Alternaria leaf blight in cotton: 

Method of Application of Chemicals – Spraying 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Biological Management 
Sanjeevni Bio fungicide Trichoderma Viride  Seed treatment: 8 – 10 gm/50 ml (per kg seed) 

Soil drenching: 5 – 10 kg/lit 

Ecomonas Bio Pesticide Pseudomonas fluorescens  Foliar: 8 – 10 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management  
Tilt fungicide Propiconazole 25 % EC  1 ml/lit water 
Bavistin Fungicide Carbendazim 50% WP  0.5 ml/lit water 
Avtar fungicide Zineb 68% + Hexaconazole 4%  1 gm/lit water 
Amristar Top Fungicide Azoxystrobin 18.2% + Difenoconazole 11.4% SC  1 ml/lit water 
Dithane M45 fungicide Mancozeb 75% WP  2 – 2.5 gm/lit water 
Tata Ishaan Fungicide Chlorothalonil 75% WP  2.5 gm/lit water 
Priaxor Fungicide Pyraclostrobin 333gm/ltr + Fluxapyroxad 167 gm/ltr SC  0.6 ml/lit water 
Nativo Fungicide Tebuconazole + Trifloxystrobin 75 WG (50% +25% w/w)  0.2 – 0.5 gm/lit water 

 

  1. Bacterial blight of Cotton: 

Scientific name of causal agent: Xanthomonas campestris pv.malvacearum 

Stage of occurrence: Seedling to harvest 

Bacterial blight of Cotton Symtoms:

5 common phases of symptoms are noticed. 

  • Seedling blight: Water soaked, irregular or circular lesions appear on the cotyledons, which may spread to petiole and stem causing withering and death of seedlings 
  • Angular leaf spot: Small, dark green, water-soaked lesions develop on the under surface of leaves and become angular when restricted by veinlets and veins. Later, the lesions turn to reddish brown colour and becomes visible on both sides of the leaf 
  • Vein blight/Vein necrosis/Black vein: Blackening of veins and veinlets gives ‘blighting appearance’. The presence of bacterial oozes on the lower side of the leaf. Affected leaves show crinkling appearance, withering and are twisted inward. 
  • Black arm: Black lesions are developed on stem and branches, causing premature drooping of leaves, cracking of stem and gummosis, leading to die back 
  • Boll rot: Dark black, sunken and irregular spots appear on the bolls. It leads to premature bursting of bolls. The spread of bacterium inside the bolls causes yellow staining of lint. 

Favourable conditions for Bacterial blight infection in cotton: 

Optimum soil temperature of 28°C, relative humidity of 85%, early sowing, high atmospheric temperature of 30 – 40°C, delayed thinning, late irrigation, poor tillage, K-deficiency in soil and rains followed by bright sunshine are highly favourable parameters for bacterial blight infection. 

Management of Bacterial blight in cotton: 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Biological Management 
Spot Bio Fungicide Pseudomonas fluorescens  10 ml/lit water 
Biofix Kito Star Fatty acids and stabilizers  1 – 2 ml/lit water 
V-Kure Eugenol, Thymol, potassium salts, cationic surface agent, sodium salts & preservatives  1.5 – 2 gm/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Turf fungicide Carbendazim 12 % + Mancozeb 63 % WP  Foliar: 1.8 – 2.5 gm/lit water 
Vitavax powder 75% Fungicide Carboxin 37.5% + Thiram 37.5% DS  Seed treatment: 3 gm/kg seed 
Dithane M45 fungicide Mancozeb 75% WP  Spraying: 2 – 2.5 gm/lit water 
Avtar Fungicide  Zineb 68% + Hexaconazole 4% WP  Foliar: 1 gm/lit water 

 

  1. Sudden Wilt or Para Wilt of Cotton:

  • Exact cause of this physiological disorder is still unknown 

Stage of occurrence: Flowering and fruit filling stage 

Sudden wilt disease or Para Wilt of Cotton Symptoms: 

  • Premature death of top leaves, followed by collapse of the plant 
  • Within few hours of heavy rainfall or soil saturation, wilting of leaves can be seen 
  • If sunshine is brighter and hot, leaves may immediately dry 
  • Wilted plants shed all the leaves and are left only with small immature fruits 
  • Under cloudy weather, leaves turn yellow and die with no or little wilting 

Favourable conditions for Para wilt infection in cotton: 

Excessive water or sudden rainfall, poor soil drainage, bright sunshine or hot air temperature may create conditions favourable for para wilt incidence 

Management of Para wilt or Sudden wilt in cotton:  

The exact cause of this disorder is still unknown. Preventive measures can be taken to minimize the para wilt incidence to some extent. Some of the measures include growing wilt tolerant varieties, accurate management of irrigation, reducing waterlogging conditions by providing adequate drainage and maintaining optimum vegetative growth by avoid using excessive of FYM and fertilizers. 

  1. Leaf curl disease of Cotton

Scientific name of causal agent: Cotton leaf curl virus 

Stage of occurrence: All stages 

Vector: Whitefly 

Leaf curl disease of Cotton Symptoms: 

  • ‘Upward and downward curling’ of leaves and thickening of veins 
  • Enation can be noticed on the underside of the leaves 
  • In severe cases, all the leaves curl and the plant growth is retarded 
  • Leads to reduced boll bearing capacity 

Favourable conditions for Leaf curl virus infection in cotton: 

Primary source of spread is Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). Presence of alternate hosts like chilli, bhendi, tomato, warm temperature, late planting can be favourable for leaf curl virus infection.  

Management of Leaf curl virus in cotton: 

Spread of leaf curl virus disease can be managed by controlling the vector whitefly, which spreads the virus. The following chemicals can be used to control whitefly in cotton. 

Product Name  Technical Content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Mechanical Management 
Tapas Yellow Sticky Trap 11 cm x 28 cm  4 – 6/acre 
Biological Management 
Amruth Alestra Liquid Verticillium lecanii  2 ml/lit water 
T.Stanes Nimbecidine Azardiractin 300 PPM (EC formulation)  5 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Lancer Gold Insecticide Acephate 50 % + Imidacloprid 1.8 % SP  0.4 ml/lit water  
Pager Insecticide Diafenthi

uron 50% WP 

1.2 gm/lit water 
Ulala Insecticide Flonicamid 50 WG  0.3 gm/lit water 
Actara Insecticide Thiamethoxam 25 % WG  0.5 gm/lit water 
Kaitaku Insecticide Acetamiprid 20 % SP  0.1 – 0.2 ml/lit 

 

  1. Tobacco streak virus in Cotton

    Tobacco streak virus in cotton
    Tobacco streak virus in cotton

Scientific name of causal agent: Tobacco streak virus 

Stage of occurrence: All stages 

Vector: Thrips (Thrips tabaci) 

Tobacco streak virus in Cotton Symptoms: 

  • Ring like purplish necrotic spots appear on the leaves 
  • Chlorotic streaks develop on the leaves 
  • Stunted growth  

Favourable conditions for Tobacco streak virus infection in cotton: 

Presence of weed hosts, high temperature (25 – 30°C), infected plant debris may create favourable conditions for tobacco streak virus disease spread in cotton crop. 

Management of Tobacco streak virus in cotton: 

Spread of Tobacco streak virus disease can be managed by controlling thrips, which spread the virus. The following chemicals can be used to control thrips in cotton. 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Mechanical Management 
Tapas Yellow Sticky Trap 22 cm x 28 cm  6 – 8/acre 
Biological Management 
Pesto Raze Bio-insecticide Botanical Extracts  2 ml/lit water 
Control TRM Bio-pesticide Organic blend of botanical extracts    2 ml/lit water 
Econeem Plus Azadiractin 10000 ppm  2 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Summit Insecticide Spinetoram 11.7 % SC  0.5- 1ml/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 gm/lit water 
Osheen Insecticide Dinotefuran 20 % SG  0.6 – 0.8 gm/lit water 
Marshal Insecticide Carbosulfan 25% EC  2.5 ml/lit water 

 

(Note: Refer to the product label to find the right time of Application and more details of the product) 

Discover effective strategies in our guide to enhance your cotton crop’s health and yield. Click here to read Management Of Insect Pests In Cotton.

Management Of Thrips And Mites In Chilli Crop 

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Management of Thrips and Mites in Chilli Crop 
Management of Thrips and Mites in Chilli Crop 

Thrips and Mites are common pests that can cause significant damage to chilli crops. Managing these pests is important to protect the yield and quality of the crop. They infest the chilli crop from the seedling stage to the reproductive stage. Among different species of mites, yellow mites cause more destruction to the crop. Both the adult and nymph stage of thrips and mites causes damage to the chilli crop by sucking the sap from leaves, shoots, buds and fruits. They cause ‘leaf curl’ symptoms in the affected plants. 

Mites thrive in hot and dry weather conditions and can cause severe damage during the flowering and fruiting stages of the crop. While thrips infestations are most severe during the early stages of crop growth and the damage can lead to a reduction in the number of fruits per plant and the size of the fruit. Thrips and mites infestation can cause yield losses ranging from 20% to 50% in chilli and may also reach 60 – 90% in case of severe infestation. Thrips and Mites also act as vectors for the spread of ‘Leaf curl virus’ in chilli. If these pests are not controlled at the earliest stage, their infestation can destroy the whole crop.  

Thrips in Chilli crop:

Scientific name of thrips: Scirtothrips dorsalis 

Symptoms of Thrips infestation in Chilli:

  • They suck the sap from the leaf juices and cause crinkling and curling up of leaves 
  • They are found mainly on the underside of the leaves 
  • Infested leaves have elongated petioles  
  • They lacerate the leaf surface and cause a “Silvery or bronze appearance 
  • Affected flower buds become brittle and later drops. 
  • The early stage of infestation will lead to stunted growth  
  • In case of severe infestation, flower production and fruit set will be arrested 
  • Thrips feed on developing fruit, leaving behind small light brown scars on the surface 

Preventive Measures to control Thrips in chilli:

  • Grow resistant varieties 
  • Practicing intercrop with maize/sorghum gives shade to the chilli crop thereby reducing the growth of thrips 
  • Avoid  growing chilli after sorghum cultivation because it can create conditions susceptible to thrips infestation 
  • Avoid mixed cropping of chilli and onion to reduce thrips infestation 
  • To check the multiplication of thrips, sprinkle water over the seedlings 
  • Remove heavily infested chilli plants from the field  
  • Installing blue and yellow sticky traps can help in mass trapping of thrips. Spray neem oil to limit the damage to the crop 
  • Planting trap crops like marigolds and sunflowers and removing them, once they are completely infested, can reduce the damage to some extent. 

ETL: 6 thrips/leaf or 10% affected crop 

Management of Thrips in Chilli:

Product Name  Technical Content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Mechanical Management 
Barrix Magic Sticker Chromatic Trap Blue sheet  Chromatic Trap  8-10 sheets/acre 
Tapas Yellow Sticky Trap  22 cm x 28 cm  6 –8/ acre 
Biological Management 
Kaybee Thrips Raze Insecticide  Botanical Extracts  1-2 ml/ lit water 
Eco neem plus  Azadiractin 10000 PPM  3 ml/lit water 
Control TRM Bio-pesticide  Organic blend of botanical extracts and alkaloids  1.5 – 2ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Actara Insecticide  Thiamethoxam 25 % WG  0.5 gm/lit water 
Delegate Insecticide  Spinetoram 11.7% SC  0.9 ml/lit water 
Alanto Insecticide    Thiacloprid 21.7% SC  1 – 2 ml/lit water 
Benevia Insecticide  Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD  1.7 to 2.0 ml/lit water 
Exponus Insecticide  Broflanilide 300 G/L SC  0.2 ml/lit water 
Tracer Insecticide  Spinosad 44.03% SC  0.3 – 0.4 ml/lit water 
EM 1 Insecticide  Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG  0.4 gm/lit water 
Takaf Insecticide  Diafenthiuron 47% + Bifenthrin 9.4% SC  1.25 – 1.5ml/lit water 
Katyayani Imd-178  Imidacloprid 17.8 % SL  0.5 ml/lit water 
Movento Insecticide  Spirotetramat 15.31% OD  2 ml/lit water 
Prime Gold Insecticide  Acetamiprid 20% SP  0.1 – 0.2 gm/lit water 
Shinzen Plus Insecticide  Fipronil 5% SC  1.6 – 2 ml/lit water 
Godrej Gracia Insecticide  Fluxametamide 10% EC  1 ml/lit water or 160 ml/acre 
Dhanuka Decide Insecticide  Etofenprox 6% + Diafenthiuron 25% WG  2.5 ml/lit water 

 

To know more about thrips click here – How to Manage Black Thrips in Chilli for More Profits? 

Note: Do not spray Tracer insecticide (Spinosad) if the crop is infested with both mites and thrips at a time 

Mites in Chilli crop:

The scientific name of the yellow mite: is Polyphagotarsonemus latus 

Symptoms of mite infestation in chilli:

  • Downward curling and crinkling appearance of chilli leaves 
  • Leaves become brittle and blister patches appear on the undersurface of the leaves 
  • Affected leaves show an inverted boat-shaped appearance 
  • In a few cases, the petiole of the infested leaves become elongated and this is often referred to as the “rat tail” symptom 
  • In certain cases, affected leaves show a dark green appearance 
  • Drying of growth tips, shedding of buds and defoliation of leaves occurs in case of severe infestation 
  • This leads to stunted growth and death of the plant 

Preventive Measures to control mites in chilli:

  • Grow mite-tolerant varieties  
  • Chilli crop can be bordered by 3 – 4 rows of maize 
  • Maintain field sanitation by removing and destroying crop residues and weeds 
  • Avoid water stress and water logging conditions  
  • Timely pruning of infested leaves or removal of plants with symptoms 
  • Adopt overhead irrigation with sprinklers 
  • Reduce excessive use of chemicals  
  • Adopt crop rotation with non-host crops like legumes and cucurbits 
  • Regular monitoring of the crop to detect the infestation early 
  • Spray neem seed kernel extract or neem oil at 10-day interval 
  • Use natural predators like predatory mites, Amblyseius ovalis 

ETL: 5-10 mites/leaf 

Management of Mites in Chilli:

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit of water) 
Biological Management 
Econeem Biopesticide  Azadiractin 3000 PPM  2.5– 3 ml/lit water 
R Mite Bio Acaricide  Plant extracts  1 – 2 ml/ lit water 
Terra Might  Herbal Formulation  3 – 7 ml/lit water 
Greenpeace Neemol (10000 PPM) Bio Neem Oil Insecticide  Neem Oil extracts (Azardiractin)  1 – 2 ml/lit water 
Neem – Azadirachtin 1500 PPM (0.15%) EC – Pesticide  Azadiractin 1500 PPM (0.15%) EC  2-2.5 ml/lit 
Chemical management 
Oberon Insecticide  Spiromesifen 240 SC (22.9 % w/w)  0.3 ml/lit water 
Maiden Insecticide  Hexythiazox 5.45% EC  0.8 – 1 ml/lit water  
EMA Gold Insecticide  Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG  0.5 gm/lit water 
Shoku Insecticide  Diafenthiuron 50% WP  0.8 -1.2 ml/lit water 
Godrej Hanabi  Pyridaben 20% w/w WP  1 gm/lit water 
Sedna Insecticide  Fenpyroximate 5 % SC  1 – 1.5 ml/lit water 
Flotis Insecticide  Buprofezin 25 SC  0.5 -1.2 ml/lit water 
Intrepid Insecticide  Chlorfenapyr 10% SC  1.5 – 2 ml/lit water 
Kunoichi Miticide  Cyenopyrafen 30% SC  0.5 – 0.6 ml/lit water 
Keefun Insecticide  Tolfenpyrad 15% EC  2 ml/lit water 
Omite Insecticide  Propargite 57% EC  3 ml/lit water  
Meothrin Insecticide  Fenpropathrin 30% EC  0.5ml/lit water 
Magister Insecticide  Fenazaquin 10% EC  2 ml/lit water 

 

Conclusion:

Thrips and Mites are significant pests in chilli crops. Effective management of these pests is important for maintaining the yield and quality of chilli, reducing the risk of disease spread, and minimizing the economic impact of pest damage. Adoption of integrated pest management practices can help to manage their population and minimize the yield loss caused by these pests in chilli crops. 

NOTE:

  • Economic Threshold Level (ETL) – It is the population density at which the control measures need to be determined to prevent the increasing pest population 
  • By checking the ETL level in the field, the above-mentioned pest management approaches can be taken up to control the pest, reduce the risk of infestation and minimize crop loss in the future.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)

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‘Apple Cluster’ for J&K’s Shopian district Approved by Central Government
‘Apple Cluster’ for J&K’s Shopian district Approved by Central Government

Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) was set up by the Department of Fisheries (DOF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India in the year 2018 -19 which envisages on creation of Fisheries infrastructure facility both in marine and inland fisheries sector and augment the fish production to achieve the target of 15 million tonnes by 2020 set under the Blue Revolution.   

The main reasons behind developing FIDF scheme are; 

  • Limited availability of funds through normal budgetary process 
  • Lack of visible credit funding in fisheries sector 
  • To bridge the large gaps in fisheries infrastructure 

Scheme Overview:

  • Scheme Name: Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) 
  • Scheme Implemented year: 2018 – 19 
  • Scheme Fund allocated: 7522.48 Crore 
  • Type of Government Scheme: Government of India 
  • Type of Sector Scheme: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying 
  • Website to apply: https://www.fidf.in/ 
  • Helpline No: 1800-425-1660 (Toll free) 

Features of Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF):

Category  Remarks 
Implementing Agency  National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad 
Employment Opportunities  >9.40 lakh fishers/fishermen/fisher folks and other entrepreneurs in fishing and allied activities 
Target  Aims to achieve 8 – 9% sustainable growth in fish production achieve a target of 20 million tonnes by 2022 – 23 
Nodal Loaning Agencies 
  • NABARD 
  • National Cooperatives Development Corporation (NCDC) 
  • All Scheduled Banks 
Lending Period  5 years (Started from 2018 – 19 to 2022 – 23) 
Eligible Entities (EEs) 
  • State Government/Union Territories 
  • State Owned Corporations/State Government Undertakings/Government Sponsored Supported Organisations 
  • Fisheries Cooperative Federations 
  • Panchayat raj Institutions/Self Help groups (SHGs)/NGOs 
  • Cooperatives, Collective Groups of fish farmers, Fish Produce Groups 
  • SCs/STs/Marginal Farmers. Women & Entrepreneurs 
  • Private Companies/Entrepreneurs 
  • Physically Disabled 
Quantum of Loan  80% of unit cost as loan amount on bankable projects 
Interest Subvention  Upto 3% per annum for all Eligible Entities (EEs) for development of identified fisheries-based on infrastructure facilities 
Lending Rate of Interest  Not less than 5% per annum for all Eligible Entities (EEs) for the development of identified fisheries-based infrastructure facilities 
Maximum Repayment Period  12 years (Including Moratorium of 2 years) 
Estimated Fund Size  

(Rs. 7522.48 Crore) 

Rs. 5266.40 crore by Nodal Loaning Entities (NLEs) 
Rs. 1346.6 crore through beneficiary’s contribution 
Rs. 939.48 crore from Government of India 

 

Objectives of Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF):

  • To Create and Modernize capture and culture fisheries infrastructure 
  • Creation of Marine Aquaculture Infrastructure 
  • Creation and modernization of Inland Fisheries Infrastructure 
  • To bring down post-harvest losses and improve domestic marketing facilities through infrastructure support 
  • To bridge the gap between resources and facilitate completion of ongoing infrastructure projects 

Latest News about the scheme:

Department of fisheries accorded approvals to 110 proposals in total of which a total outlay of Rs. 5285.45 crore is allocated for creation of various fisheries infrastructure.  

How to Apply:

Beneficiaries can directly apply online through FIDH portal for all types of entities, online processing and approval of FIDF applications. 

The following steps will guide you on how to register in FIDF Scheme: 

  1. Type www.fidf.in in the browser address bar and click enter 
  2. You will then get FIDF portal. Then, Click on Apply/Login given on the top right corner of the page. On clicking, the login page will be loaded 
  3. Click on ‘Register’ given on top right corner of the page if you are a new user 
  4. Fill in the details mentioned in the form which includes your basic details and Login credentials and finally click on Register 
  5. Then, enter your username and password and click on login option 
  6. Fill the details given in the application which includes Detailed Project Report (DPR) with Cost Estimates, Layout drawings, Quotations machineries, equipment, Land Details, Economics, Bank Details, etc.  
  7. Submit the application by attaching the relevant documents pertaining to the activity selected 
  8. Hardcopies of DPR has to be sent to: Joint Secretary (Fisheries), Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi-110001. 
  9. Another DPR Copy has to be sent to: The Chief Executive, National Fisheries Development Board, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Pillar:235, PVNR Expressway, Hyderabad-500052. 

(NOTE: – NFDB will scrutinize the submitted applications and will recommend to Central Approval and Monitoring Committee (CAMC) for approval. CAMC will accord approval for grant of interest subvention and recommend such proposals for bank loans. Banks will sanction loan according to the Bank norms I.e., upto 3% interest subvention) 

Documents Required for Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF):

  • Detailed Project Proposal (DPR) 
  • Land Document (Own/Lease for 10 years) 
  • Declaration form for not availing similar subsidy/assistance for any activity of entrepreneur model or sub-activities there under from any government scheme or government agency 
  • Copy of Aadhaar card of individual (Self – attested) 
  • Copy of bank account details on the name of the applicant (Self – attested) 
  • Detailed cost estimates 
  • Engineering drawings and layout 
  • Quotations for all the machinery and equipment 

Conclusion:

FIDF aims to provide concessional finance to the State Governments/Union Territories, State entities, cooperatives, individual entrepreneurs for the development of fisheries infrastructure facilities both in inland and marine fisheries sector. The infrastructure facilities will be funded under the FIDF which will broadly cover development of fishing harbours/fish landing centres, fish seed farms, fish feed mills, cage culture in reservoirs, mariculture activities, introduction of deep-sea fishing vessels, disease diagnostic setting up and aquatic quarantine facilities, creation of cold chain infrastructure facilities such as ice plants, cold storage, fish transport facilities, fish processing units, fish processing units, fish markets. The fund can benefit over 4 million marine and inland fishers especially women, SHGs, weaker sections, due to accessibility of modern infrastructure and added value of produce. 

MIDH: Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture

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midh scheme-mission for integrated development of horticulture
midh scheme-mission for integrated development of horticulture

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme is implemented in the year 2014. The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) main objective is the holistic development of the horticulture sector in the country covering fruits, vegetables, root & tuber crops, mushrooms, aromatic plants, spices, flowers, coconut, cashew, cocoa and bamboo. It is a Central Government Sponsored scheme implemented under Green Revolution – Krishonnati Yojana. 

Scheme Overview:

  • Scheme Name: Mission for Integrated Development of Agriculture (MIDH) 
  • Scheme Implemented date: 01.04.2014 
  • Scheme Fund allocated: As per Annual Budget 
  • Type of Government Scheme: Centrally Sponsored scheme 
  • Sector Scheme: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare 
  • Website to apply: https://midh.gov.in/ 
  • Helpline No: NA 
  • Scheme Type: National Scheme
  • Covered States: The MIDH Scheme 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.

MIDH scheme Features:

Various Sub-Schemes under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture:

S.No  Sub-Scheme  Target Groups/Area of operation  Year of Starting 
1  Coconut Development Board (CDB)  All States and UTs where Coconut is grown  1981 
2  National Horticulture Board (NHB)  All States and UTs focusing on commercial horticulture  1984 
3  Horticulture Mission for North East & Himalayan States (HMNEH)  All States in NE and Himalayan region  2001 – 02 
4  National Horticulture Mission (NHM)  All States and UTs excepting states in NE and Himalayan region  2005 – 06 
5  Central Institute for Horticulture (CIH)  NE states focusing on HRD and Capacity building  2006 – 07 
6  National Bamboo Mission (NBM)  All states and UTs  2006 – 07 

 

Funding Pattern for Integrated Development of Horticulture:

Category  Remarks 
Financial Assistance  35% of the project costs in general areas and 50% in case of hilly and scheduled areas per beneficiary is available for setting up post-harvest management infrastructure  
Funding Pattern  60:40 for Central and State; 90:10 for Himalayan and North Eastern States. In case of NHB, CDB, CIH, NBM, Govt. Of India (GOI) contributes 100%. 

 

Benefits for integrated development of Horticulture:

  • Promotes holistic growth of horticulture sector, including bamboo and coconut through area based regionally differentiated strategies, which includes research, technology promotion, extension, post-harvest management, processing and marketing   
  • Encourage farmers to form farmer groups like FIGs/FPOs and FPCs to bring economy of scale and scope   
  • Enhance horticulture production, increase farmer’s income and strengthen nutritional security   
  • Improve productivity of horticultural produce by giving quality germplasm, planting material and water use efficiency through micro irrigation  
  • Provides employment opportunities for rural youth in horticulture and post-harvest management, especially in the cold chain sector  
  • Grants technical advice and administrative support to State Governments/ State Horticulture Missions (SHMs) for the Saffron Mission and other horticulture related activities  

Latest News about the MIDH scheme:

Outlay of Plan component of MIDH has been fixed at Rs. 1900 crore and Non Plan component of MIDH has been fixed at Rs. 14.38 crore for the financial year 2022 –23.   

Challenges for integrated development of Horticulture:

The Horticulture sector is still facing a lot of challenges in various aspects like high post-harvest loss and gaps in post-harvest management and supply chain infrastructure. 

How to Apply:

A farmer or an entrepreneur as a beneficiary should register their details either through online in HORTNET portal or submit the application to DHSO office through HO’s along with required documents.  

The following steps will guide on how you can register as beneficiary in HORTNET portal: 

  1. Open https://hortnet.gov.in/ link in your browser. This will open the main page of the HORTNET portal 
  2. Then, click on the State name and select your state to get the SHM home page 
  3. Next click on ‘Department User’s Login’ option to get next form to login to the system 
  4. Click on ‘New User Registration’ option  
  5. Fill the basic details i.e., Name, contact details, Address, Role and login credentials asked in the form to register 
  6. Then use your new login ID and password to login. This will then open Farmer Registration form 
  7. In the MIDH online application form, fill in the details mentioned (Applicant, Address, Land, Bank, and Component details) and click on submit 
  8. Upon successful submission of the form, you will receive your application acknowledgement which contains your Unique-ID 
  9. This unique Registration No. / Beneficiary No. generated will be required to track the status of your application 
  10. You can take printout of the acknowledgement form by clicking on <print> option given 
  11. Then, you can see your ‘FARMER ID Card’ format that includes your basic details, land and contact details 
  12. You can also file a grievance online by providing the Registration No. / Beneficiary No. An email and SMS alert will be sent to the concerned officer upon your filed grievance 
  13. You can track the filed grievance using your Unique-ID 

Documents Required for MIDH scheme:

  • Bank Passbook 
  • Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card / PAN Card) 
  • Passport size photo 
  • Ration card 
  • Income certificate 
  • Residence certificate 
  • Land documents 

Conclusion:

MIDH scheme aims to enhance horticulture production, augment farmers’ income and strengthen nutritional security; improve productivity by way of quality germplasm, planting material and water use efficiency through Micro irrigation.  

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.

Coffee Exports Rose Nearly 2 Percent To 4 Lakh Tonnes In 2022

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Coffee exports to rose nearly 2 per cent to 4 lakh tonnes in 2022
Coffee exports to rose nearly 2 per cent to 4 lakh tonnes in 2022

Coffee shipments from India (Asia’s third-largest producer and exporter) increased 1.66 per cent to 4 lakh tonnes in 2022 as instant coffee exports and re-exports increased, according to the Central Coffee Board (founded in 1942 and is looked after by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry). In 2021, exports were 3.93 lakh tonnes.

Numerical Data of Coffee :

In 2022 coffee exports were higher at Rs.8,762.47 compared to the previous year’s Rs.6,984.67. India ships both Robusta and Arabica varieties as well as instant coffee. As per the board’s latest data, shipments of Robusta coffee decreased slightly to 2,20,974 tonnes in 2022 from 2,20,997 tonnes in the previous year.

Arabica coffee exports also declined by 11.43 per cent to 44,542 tonnes from 50,292 tonnes. It has been observed that the exports of instant coffee have risen to 16.73 per cent which is 35,810 tonnes in 2022 from 29,819 tonnes in 2021. In 2022, 99,513 tonnes of coffee were re-exported, up from 92,235 tonnes the previous year, according to data. 

Coffee Producing States and Export:

Coffee production in India is dominated in the mountainous regions of the south Indian states, with Karnataka accounting for 71% (Kodagu alone produces 33% of India’s coffee), followed by Kerala at 21% and Tamil Nadu (5% of total production at 8,200 tonnes). Apart from this, the new emerging non-traditional areas are Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on the east coast of the country, and a third region comprising the states of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India, popularly known as the “Seven Sister States of India.”

Indian coffee is considered the best coffee in the world, grown in shade and not in direct sunlight. There are about 2,50,000 coffee farmers in the country, 98% of whom are smallholders. In 2009, Indian coffee accounted for only 4.5% of global production. Nearly 80% of Indian coffee is exported; 70% goes to Germany, Russia, Spain, Belgium, Slovenia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Greece, the Netherlands and France. Italy accounts for 29% of exports. Most of the exports are shipped through the Suez Canal. Italy, Germany and Russia are the major export destinations for Indian coffee. Some of the major exporters are CCL Products India, Tata Coffee, ITC Ltd, Olam Agro, Vidya Herbs and Sucden Coffee India.

Conclusion

India’s coffee production has now spread to more regions of India. This has influenced India’s large-scale production and export of coffee. Even after the decrease in the export of Robusta and Arabica coffee, India has benefited from the increasing export of instant coffee to other nations.

First time in India, FSSAI sets Regulatory Standards for Basmati Rice

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Identity standards for basmati rice have been specified by FSSAI to ensure Food and Safety Standards. These first-ever amendment regulations have been notified in Gazette India and will come to force from 1st August, 2O23.

The amendments aim at preventing the interest of customers and ensuring that the basmati rice has an original fragrance as per its variety. The types of basmati rice which come under this amendment are brown basmati rice, milled basmati rice, parboiled brown basmati rice, and milled parboiled basmati rice.

New Standards for Basmati Rice :

  1. Must have a natural fragrance characteristic of basmati rice
  2. Free of artificial colorants, polishing agents, and artificial fragrances
  3. Identity and quality parameters include the average size of grains and their elongation ratio after cooking, maximum values for moisture, amylose content, uric acid, defective/damaged grains, and adventitious presence of other non-basmati rice, etc.

 Heritage of Basmati rice :

Basmati Rice is a superior-quality rice variety grown in the foothills of the Himalayas on the Indian subcontinent exclusively known for its long grain size, fluffy texture, unique aroma, and flavor. It has got its uniqueness due to the agro-climatic conditions of the specific geographic areas where it is cultivated, and the method of harvesting and processing of the rice. It is a widely consumed rice variety both domestically and globally. India alone accounts for two-thirds of the world’s supply.

Basmati rice is grown in specific areas of Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh.

Conclusion :  

The new amendment regulation will prove to be a significant step in increasing the status of Basmati Rice globally as well as internally. This will prevent the fraud used to degrade the value of basmati rice in the eyes of people.

Agricultural Infrastructure Fund: Boosting Agri Sector

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agriculture infrastructure fund AIF Scheme
agri infrastructure fund

The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India announced Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme on 15th May 2020 for farm-gate infrastructure for farmers. The main objective of AIF is to mobilize a medium-long term debt financing facility for investment in viable projects relating to post-harvest management Infrastructure and community farming assets through incentives and financial support in order to improve infrastructure in Indian Agriculture. 

Scheme Overview

  • Scheme Name: Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme  
  • Other Name: National Agricultural Infra Financing Facility 
  • Scheme Implemented Year: 2020 
  • Scheme Modified Date: 01.02.2021 
  • Scheme Fund allocated: Rs. 1 lakh crore 
  • Type of Government Scheme: Central Sector Scheme  
  • Sector Scheme: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare 
  • Website to apply: https://agriinfra.dac.gov.in/ 
  • Helpline No: 011-23604888 
  • Scheme Type: National Scheme
  • Covered States: The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund 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.

AIF Scheme Features

  • AIF was launched as a part of the Rs. 20 lakh crore stimulus package in response to the COVID-19 crisis 
  • Agri Infrastructure Fund Scheme is managed and monitored through an online Management Information System (MIS) platform 
  • Multiple Post-harvest infrastructure types and community farming assets eligible under AIF includes: 
  • Post-harvest Infrastructure: Storage Parks-Modern silos, Warehouses, Integrated pack-houses, Cold chain infrastructure, Community drying yards, Refridgerated transportation 
  • Community farming assets: Custom Hiring Centers, IoT/Precision farming assets 

Multiple types of stakeholders eligible under Agriculture Infrastructure Fund Scheme:

STAKEHOLDERS  BENEFICIARY 
Farmers  Individual farmers 
Farmer Groups 
  • Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) 
  • Joint Liability Groups 
  • Self Help Groups 
  • Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACs) 
Agri-entrepreneurs 
  • Individual business owners like millers, food processing units, merchant, storage providers, exporters, etc. 
  • Supply chain players 
  • Smart farming 
Large businesses 
  • FMCG players 
  • Exporters 
  • Food processors 
  • Equipment manufacturers  
State agencies 
  • Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees (APMCs) 
  • Federations of FPOs, SHGs, Cooperatives 
  • State Warehousing Corporations 

 

Funding Pattern:

Category  Remarks 
Funding Institutions 
  • Scheduled Commercial Banks 
  • Scheduled Cooperative Banks 
  • Small Finance Banks 
  • Regional Rural Banks 
  • Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) 
  • National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) 
Size of Fund  Rs. 1 lakh Crore – Will be provided by banks and financial institutions as loans to eligible beneficiaries  
Interest Subvention  3% per annum up to loan amount of Rs. 2 Cr (NABARD loans for PACS at 1% post subvention) 
Duration  Available for period of maximum 7 years 
Moratorium Period 
  • Minimum: 6 months 
  • Maximum: 2 years 
Loan Disbursement 

(6 years) 

  • FY 2020-21: Rs.4000 crores sanctioned 
  • FY 2021-22: Rs.16000 crores (of the balanced amount) 
  • FY 2022-23 to 2025-26: Rs.20000 crore per year 
Period of Financial facility  Upto 2025 – 26 (6 years) 
Credit Guarantee  Under Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme for loan up to Rs.2 Crore 

 

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund Benefits:

  • The improved marketing infrastructure will help farmers to sell their products directly to a larger base of consumers which increases value realization for the farmers. This helps farmers by improving their overall income 
  • Farmers can decide when to sell in the market and improve realization with the access to modern packaging and cold storage system 
  • With the given fund source, entrepreneurs will push for innovation in the agricultural sector by leveraging modern technologies like IOT and AI. This will also improve avenues for collaboration between entrepreneurs and farmers 

Latest News about the AIF Scheme:

  1. Disbursal of funds to strengthen agriculture infrastructure through setting up of warehouses/silos and other projects under the Rs. 1 lakh crore Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) has been slow as Primary Agri Cooperative Societies (PACS) have been lagging in setting up the much required infrastructure. 
  2. Cabinet approved modifications in the guidelines of AIF Scheme which focuses to help achieve multiplier effect in driving investments. 
  • Eligibility criteria extended to include more beneficiaries 
  • Number of projects per beneficiary is increased from 1 project to 25 projects  
  • APMCs can setup multiple projects in same location of various types  
  • Duration of the Scheme extended from 4 to 6 years (Extended Upto 2023-33) 

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund Drawbacks:

Issues in loan disbursal in AIF is one of the drawback of the scheme. 

  • Disbursal of fund is slow under AIF as PACs have been lagging in setting up of much-required infrastructure. Conditions specified by the PACS to disburse credit, based on the physical progress of the projects, is the reason for the poor progress with only 4% of sanctioned amount disbursed. 

How to Apply:

Online application process setup for the National Agriculture Infrastructure Fund scheme is simple.

  1. If you are eligible to avail this scheme, you can register online in AIF portal 
  2. Go to the browser and type https://agriinfra.dac.gov.in/Home/Login 
  3. In the top right corner of the page, you can see ‘Beneficiary’. Click it and under that click on ‘Registration’  
  4. Fill in your details: Name, Mobile Number and Aadhaar Number 
  5. Then, click on ‘Send OTP’. Enter the OTP received in your mobile number and then click on ‘Verify’ 
  6. Fill your other details which includes Beneficiary type and Address and click on ‘Submit’ 
  7. You will then get ‘Registration Successful’. You will also get your Unique Beneficiary Registration Number. Save it for future use 
  8. Then, Go the Homepage. Click on ‘login’ seen on the top right corner of the page 
  9. Type your Email/Beneficiary ID and click on ‘login’ below 
  10. On the left side of the page, click on ‘Loan Applications’ 
  11. Fill the details asked I.e., Project Details (Project name, Description, Project cost, Annual Revenue), Project Address, Project Geo-location, Loan Details. Then upload the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and then click on ‘submit’. Now your application is successfully submitted 
  12. Post submission of application, it will be reviewed by the ministry and eligible applications will be approved 
  13. After the approval by Ministry, application will be transferred digitally to the selected bank or credit appraisal 
  14. Bank will review your project for viability and accordingly sanction the project 
  15. You will receive message to your registered mobile number at all stages with status update  

Documents Required For Agri Infra Fund:

  • Application form of Bank’s loan or Customer Request Letter for AIF Loan duly filled and attested
  • Passport size photographs of the promoter/partners/director
  • Identity Proof – Aadhaar card/PAN card/Voter ID Card/Driving license
  • Address Proof
  • Residence: Aadhaar card/PAN card/Voter ID Card/Driving license/Electricity bill/Passport/Latest property Tax Bill
  • Business Office/Registered Office: Electricity Bill/Latest Property Tax Receipt/Certificate of Incorporation in case of Companies/Certificate of Registration in case of partnership firms
  • Proof of Registration
  • In case of company: Article of Association
  • In case of Partnership: Certificate of Registration of Firm with Registrar of Firm
  • In case of MSMEs: Udyog Aadhaar Copy/Certificate of Registration with District Industries Centre (DIC)
  • Income Tax return for last 3 years (if available)
  • Audited Balance Sheet of last 3 years (if available)
  • GST Certificate (if applicable)
  • Land ownership records
  • ROR Search Report of the company
  • KYC documents of the company/firm/promoter
  • Copy of bank Statement for last 1 year (if available)
  • Repayment track record of the existing loans (Loan Statement)
  • Net worth Statements of promoter
  • Detailed project Report (DPR)
  • Local authority permissions, Building sanction, Layout plans/estimates (As applicable)

Conclusion:

Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) a.k.a National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility Scheme aims to provide financial support for agriculture entrepreneurs in order to improve infrastructure in Indian Agriculture. The Scheme will facilitate modernization and setting up of key elements of the Agri value chain. 

For more government schemes supporting sustainable farming, check out the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana – PKVY Scheme.

Management Of Mites In Chilli

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Management of Mites in Chilli
Management of Mites in Chilli

Chilli, scientifically known as Capsicum annuum is one of the most important spice crops in India. It is commonly known as ‘Mirchi’ in India. It is widely cultivated for its pungent and non-pungent fruits in almost all parts of the country. Sweet pepper, bell pepper and green pepper are also grown in our country. India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of chilli in the world. Andhra Pradesh was the largest producer of chilli in the year 2022 with an estimated production volume of about 7 lakh metric tons. It is followed by Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.

Chilli crop attacked by yellow mite causes heavy yield loss. Mites are considered as the most destructive and serious pests in chilli. Its infestation can lead to about 20–80% yield loss in chilli. Among different species of mites, yellow mite/broad mite is found to cause severe destruction in chilli crop. 

Scientific name of yellow mite: Polyphagotarsonemus latus  

Symptoms of mites in Chilli:

  • Downward curling and crinkling appearance of affected chilli leaves 
  • Leaves become brittle and blister patches appears on the under surface of the leaves 
  • Affected leaves shows inverted boat shaped appearance 
  • In few cases, petiole of the infested leaves become elongated and this is often referred to as “rat tail” symptom 
  • Cluttering of younger leaves at the tip of the branch 
  • In certain cases, affected leaves shows dark green appearance 
  • Drying of growth tips, shedding of buds and defoliation of leaves occurs in case of severe infestation 
  • Leads to stunted growth and death of the plant 

Damage stage of insect: Nymph and adult 

Stage of occurrence: Seedling to fruiting stage 

Preventive Measures for mite infestation:

  • Grow mite tolerant varieties  
  • Chilli crop can be bordered by 3 – 4 rows of maize 
  • Maintain field sanitation by removing and destroying crop residues and weeds 
  • Avoid water stress and water logging conditions  
  • Timely pruning of infested leaves or removal of plants with symptoms 
  • Adopt overhead irrigation with sprinklers 
  • Reduce excessive use of chemicals  
  • Adopt crop rotation with non-host crops like legumes and cucurbits 
  • Regular monitoring of the crop to detect the infestation early 
  • Spray neem seed kernel extract or neem oil at 10 days interval 
  • Use natural predator like predatory mite, Amblyseius ovalis 

ETL: 5-10 mites/leaf 

Management of Mites in Chilli:

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit of water) 
Biological Management 
Econeem Biopesticide  Azadiractin 3000 PPM  3 ml/lit water 
R Mite Bio Acaricide  Plant extracts  2 ml/ lit water 
Terra Might  Herbal Formulation  5 ml/lit water 
Greenpeace Neemol (10000 PPM) Bio Neem Oil Insecticide  Neem Oil extracts (Azardiractin)  2 ml/lit water 
Chemical management 
Oberon Insecticide  Spiromesifen 22.9% SC   0.3 ml/lit water 
Maiden Insecticide  Hexythiazox 5.45% EC  1 ml/lit water  
EMA Gold Insecticide  Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG  0.5 gm/lit water 
Godrej Hanabi  Pyridaben 20% WP  1 gm/lit water 
Sedna Insecticide  Fenpyroximate 5 % SC  1 ml/lit water 
Intrepid Insecticide  Chlorfenapyr 10% SC  1.5 ml/lit water 
Kunoichi Miticide  Cyenopyrafen 30% SC  0.5 ml/lit water 
Keefun Insecticide  Tolfenpyrad 15% EC  2 ml/lit water 
Omite Insecticide  Propargite 57% EC  3 ml/lit water  
Meothrin Insecticide  Fenpropathrin 30% EC  0.5ml/lit water 
Magister Insecticide  Fenazaquin 10% EC  2 ml/lit water 

 

Learn how to grow chillies successfully with our guide! CLICK HERE

Management Of Insect Pests In Cotton

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Cotton, often referred to as “White Gold” is one of the most important cash and fibre crop of India and plays a dominant role in agricultural and industrial economy of the country. India stands 1st in the world with cotton acreage with around 120.55 lakh hectares area under cotton cultivation. However, this valuable crop faces significant challenges from pests in cotton. India produces about 5.34 million metric tonnes which is 21% of world cotton production in the year 2021 – 22. India exports about 0.68 million metric tonnes i.e., 7% of world export in the year 2021 – 22. Cotton is used to produce a wide range of products, including clothing, textiles, and medical supplies. The cotton industry also provides employment opportunities to millions of people in India, both in the farming and manufacturing sectors. 

Insect pests infesting cotton can cause significant damage to the crop, leading to lower yields and economic losses. Sucking pests, leaf feeders and bollworms cause serious damage to cotton crops which if not managed at right time would lead to 40 – 50% of crop loss 

Cultivated species of cotton: Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium herbaceum, Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium barbadense 

Insect Pests in Cotton

1. American Bollworm:

Scientific name of American Bollworm: Helicoverpa armigera 

Damage stage of insect: Larva 

Stage of occurrence: All stages 

Symptoms of American Bollworm in cotton: 

  • Larva feeds on leaves, squares, flowers and small bolls 
  • Larva feeds on the leaves initially and later bore on to the square/boll by thrusting their head alone inside, leaving their rest of their body outside 
  • Affected bolls shows large, circular holes at the base with presence of excreted frass outside bore hole 
  • Single larva can damage 30 – 40 fruiting forms / bolls 
  • Shedding of affected squares and bolls 

Favourable conditions for American Bollworm infestation in cotton: 

Continuous cropping, monocropping, presence of crop debris, excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers are some of the conditions favourable for American bollworm infestation.  

ETL: 1 egg or 1 larva per plant 

Management of American Bollworm in cotton: 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Mechanical Management 
Tapas Helico – Cotton bollworm lure  Pheromone Lure  Funnel trap with Helio-O-lure – 6 per acre 
Biological Management 
Sun Bio Hanpv  Nuclear Polyhydrosis Virus 1 x 109 POB (Polyhedral Occluded Bodies)  1 ml/lit water  

 

Vedagna Nobor (Bio insecticide)  Natural extracts  2.5 to 3 ml/lit water 
Delfin Insecticide  Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki  1 gm/lit water 
Control TRM Bio-pesticide  Organic blend of botanical extracts    2 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Benevia Insecticide  Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD  1.5 ml/lit water 
Cigna Insecticide  Lufenuron 5.4 % EC  2 ml/lit water 
Starclaim Insecticide  Emamectin benzoate 5% SG  0.5 gm/lit water 
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 

2. Pink Bollworm:

Scientific name of Pink Bollworm: Pectinophoro gossypiella

Damage stage of insect: Larva

Stage of occurrence: Crop mid stage to end of the crop stage 

Symptoms of Pink Bollworm in cotton:  

  • Larvae feeds on flower buds, flowers and bore into cotton bolls 
  • Typical symptom of pink bollworm attack is “Rosetted flowers 
  • Larvae feeds on floral parts and the affected flowers do not open i.e blind flowers  
  • The burrowed holes are plugged by excreta of larvae due to their feeding inside seed kernels 
  • It bores into bolls, through the lint and feeds on the cotton seeds 
  • Premature dropping of infested buds and immature bolls 
  • Seeds are destroyed and lint gets discoloured 

Favourable conditions for Pink Bollworm infestation in cotton:  

Frequent irrigation, high fertilizer application, monocropping, non-synchronization in sowing time in nearby field and delayed agronomic practices are some favourable conditions for pink bollworm infestation. 

ETL: 10% of damaged flowers or bolls 

Management of Pink Bollworm in cotton: 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Mechanical Management 
Tapas Pink Bollworm Lure  Pheromone lure  Funnel trap with Gulabi fly lure at 6/acre 
Biological Management 
Amruth Organic Almid Liquid  Metarhizium anisopliae  2 ml/lit water 
Multiplex Metarhizium  Metarhizium anisopliae  1 ml/lit water 
Katyayani Organic Larvicide  Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki  10 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Proclaim Insecticide  Emamectin Benzonate 5%SG  0.4 gm/lit water 
Nagata Insecticide  Ethion 40% + Cypermethrin 5% EC  2.5 ml/ lit water 
Ampligo  Chlorantraniliprole (10 %) + Lambdacyhalothrin (5%) ZC  0.5 ml/lit water 
Tracer Insecticide  Spinosad 44.03% SC  0.5 ml/lit water 
Greenovate Miyogi Insecticide  Chlorpyrifos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% EC  2 ml/lit water 
Kemcron Insecticide  Profenophos 50 % EC  1.5-2 ml/lit water 

3. Tobacco Caterpillar

Scientific name of Tobacco Caterpillar: Spodoptera litura

Damage stage of insect: Larva

Stage of occurrence: Occurs throughout the crop period

Symptoms of Tobacco Caterpillar: 

  • Larva feeds gregariously on the leaves and skeletonize them leaving only the veins and midrib 
  • Skeletonization results in ‘Papery appearance’ of leaves 
  • Larva feeds on the leaves and bolls by making holes leading to defoliation of leaves and shedding of bolls 
  • In case of severe infestation, only stem and side shoots can be seen standing in the field without any leaf or bolls 

Favourable conditions for Tobacco Caterpillar infestation in cotton : 

Warm and humid climate, late sowing, monocropping, poor irrigation management and lack of natural predators can create favourable conditions for tobacco caterpillar infestation. 

ETL: 8 egg masses per 100-meter row 

Management of Tobacco Caterpillar infestation in cotton: 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Mechanical Management 
Tapas Tobacco Caterpillar Lure  Pheromone lure  Funnel trap with Spodo-O-lure at 6/acre 
Biological Management 
Terra Pillar (Bio insecticide)  Herbal formulation of Annona squamosa, Citus limon, Neem oil and Piper nigrum  50 ml per 15 lit water 
All Bata Royal Larvend (Bio Larvicide)  Plant derived solution 

 

2 ml/lit water 
Sun Bio SLNPV (Bio insecticide)  Spodoptera litura Nuclear Polyhydrosis Virus 1 x 109 POB (Polyhedral Occluded Bodies)  1 ml/lit water   
Delfin Insecticide  Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki  1 gm/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Benevia Insecticide  Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD  1.5 ml/lit 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 

4. Spotted Bollworm

Scientific name of Spotted Bollworm: Earias vittella & E.insulana

Damage stage of insect: Larva

Stage of occurrence: Pre-flowering to boll formation stage

Symptoms of Spotted Bollworm in cotton: 

  • Pest infestation during pre-flowering stage causes withering, drying and drooping of terminal shoots 
  • Larva feeds on squares and bolls by making holes and destroys the boll by eating the seeds and filling them with excrement (rotting) 
  • Causes flaring up of bracts 
  • Shedding of affected squares and young bolls 

Favourable conditions for Spotted Bollworm infestation in cotton: 

High temperature (20-30°C), heavy rainfall, late planting and lack of crop rotation can create favourable conditions for spotted bollworm infestation in cotton plants. 

ETL: 10% infested shoots or squares or bolls 

Management of Spotted Bollworm in cotton:  

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Biological Management 
Multiplex Metarhizium  Metarhizium anisopliae  1 ml/lit water 
Katyayani Organic Larvicide  Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki Bio Larvicide  10 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Starthane Super Insecticide  Acephate 75% SP  1.75-2.5ml/lit water 
Kri-Star 5 Insecticide  Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG  0.2 – 0.4 gm/lit water 
Delegate Insecticide  Spinetoram 11.7% SC  0.9 – 1 ml/lit water 
Cover Insecticide  Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC  0.3 ml/lit water 
Koranda Insecticide  Chlorpyrifos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% EC  250-300 ml water 
Nagata Insecticide  Ethion 40% + Cypermethrin 5% EC  2.5 ml/lit water 
Profex Super Insecticide  Profenophos 40% + Cypermethrin 4% EC  1 – 3 ml/lit water 

5. Cotton Aphids

Scientific name of Cotton Aphid: Aphis gossypii

Damage stage of insect: Nymph and adult

Stage of occurrence: Early growth stages

Symptoms of Cotton Aphids: 

  • Tender shoots and undersurface of the leaves are mostly infested 
  • Downward curling and crinkling appearance of leaves 
  • They suck the sap and causes stunted growth 
  • Development of sooty mould due to honeydew secretion giving a dark appearance to plants 
  • In case of severe infestation, it causes blighted appearance resulting in death of the plants. 

Favourable conditions for Cotton Aphids infestation:  

Presence of host plants, high temperature and high humidity, high nitrogen fertilization, dense planting, insufficient moisture levels in the soil and lack of natural enemies like ladybird beetle and lacewings are some of the favourable conditions for high cotton aphids’ infestation.  

ETL: 5% of infested plant

6. Leafhopper / Jassids

Scientific name of Leafhopper/Jassids: Amrasca (biguttula biguttula) devastans

Damage stage of insect: Nymph and adult

Stage of occurrence: All stages of crop but predominantly in seedling stage

Symptoms of Leafhopper / Jassids in cotton : 

  • Nymphs and adults suck the sap from undersurface of the leaves causing yellowing of leaves 
  • Downward curling of leaves margin and reddening sets in 
  • In case of severe infestation, affected leaves turn bronze or brick red in colour, typically showing “Hopper burn” symptom 
  • Leads to stunted growth of the crop 

Favourable conditions for Jassids infestation in cotton: 

Some of the conditions which favours leafhopper infestation includes late sowing, hot and dry weather conditions, imbalanced use of nitrogen fertilizers and insufficient moisture in the field.   

ETL: 1 nymph / adult per leaf or 25% of plants in the field showing yellowing and curling symptom from the middle to upper portion of the plant 

Management of Jassids and Cotton Aphids:  

Product Name  Technical Content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Mechanical Management 
Tapas Yellow Sticky Trap  11 cm x 28 cm  4 – 6/acre 
Biological Management 
Amruth Alestra Liquid  Verticillium lecanii  2 ml/lit water 
Econeem Plus Biopesticide  Azadiractin 10000 ppm  325-480 ml water 
Chemical Management  
Battalion Insecticide  Thiamethoxam 25% WG  0.5gm/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 
Hifield AG Pyramid Insecticide  Acetamaprid 20% SP  0.5gm/lit water 
Osheen Insecticide  Dinotefuran 20 % SG  0.6 – 0.8 gm/lit water 
Ulala Insecticide  Flonicamid 50 WG  0.3 – 0.4 gm/lit water 

To know more about JassidsEasy & cost-effective ways to control Leaf Hoppers in Cotton Crops 

 7. Thrips

Scientific name of Thrips: Thrips tabaci

Damage stage of insect : Nymph and adult

Stage of occurrence: Vegetative stage

Symptoms of Thrips in Cotton: 

  • Nymph and adult scrap the tissue and suck the sap from the epidermis of the leaves 
  • This causes shriveling and curling up of leaves 
  • Silvery shine can be seen on the undersurface of the leaves 
  • This pest also as a vector of ‘Tobacco Streak Virus’ in cotton 

Favourable conditions for Thrips infestation in cotton:  

High temperature of about 25 – 30°C, excessive moisture in the soil, early planting, high dose of nitrogen fertilizer application and presence of alternate hosts are some of the favourable conditions for incidence of thrips infestation in cotton field. 

ETL: 1 nymph / adult per leaf  

Management of Thrips in cotton: 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Mechanical Management 
Tapas Yellow Sticky Trap  22 cm x 28 cm  6 – 8/acre 
Biological Management 
Pesto Raze Bio-insecticide  Botanical Extracts  2 ml/lit water 
Control TRM Bio-pesticide  Organic blend of botanical extracts    2 ml/lit water 
Econeem Plus  Azadiractin 10000 ppm  2 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Summit Insecticide  Spinetoram 11.7 % SC  0.5- 1ml/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 gm/lit water 
Osheen Insecticide  Dinotefuran 20 % SG  0.6 – 0.8 gm/lit water 
Marshal Insecticide  Carbosulfan 25% EC  2.5 ml/lit water 

8. Whitefly

Scientific name of Whitefly: Bemisia tabaci

Damage stage of insect: Nymph and adult

Stage of occurrence: All crop stages

Symptoms of Whitefly in cotton: 

  • Irregular yellowing (Chlorotic spots) of leaf tissue 
  • Severe infestation leads to premature defoliation 
  • Development of sooty mould due to honeydew secretion 
  • It causes poor boll opening and shedding of affected buds and bolls 
  • It transmits “Leaf curl virus” disease in cotton 

Favourable conditions for Whitefly infestation in cotton: 

High temperature (27 – 32°C), High humidity, lack of natural enemies, presence of alternate host Abutilon indicum, Solanum nigrum and Hibiscus, late sowing, imbalance fertilizer application can increase the chance of whitefly infestation in cotton. 

ETL: 5 – 10 nymph/leaf 

Management of Whitefly in cotton: 

Product Name  Technical Content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Mechanical Management 
Tapas Yellow Sticky Trap  11 cm x 28 cm  4 – 6/acre 
Biological Management 
Amruth Alestra Liquid   Verticillium lecanii  2 ml/lit water 
T.Stanes Nimbecidine  Azardiractin 300 PPM (EC formulation)  5 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Karate Insecticide  Lambdacyhalothrin 5% EC  1.5 ml/lit water 
Lancer Gold Insecticide  Acephate 50 % + Imidacloprid 1.8 % SP  0.4 ml/lit water  
Greenovate Miyogi  Chlorpyrifos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% EC  2 ml/lit water 
Tychi Insecticide  Tolfenpyrad 15% EC  2 ml/lit water 
Oberon Insecticide  Spiromesifen 22.9 % SC   0.3 ml/lit water 
Pager Insecticide  Diafenthiuron 50% WP  1.2 gm/lit water 
Ulala Insecticide  Flonicamid 50 WG  0.3 gm/lit water 
Actara Insecticide  Thiamethoxam 25 % WG  0.5 gm/lit water 
Tatamida SL Insecticide  Imidacloprid 17.8% SL  1-2ml/lit water 
Kaitaku Insecticide  Acetamiprid 20 % SP  0.1 – 0.2 ml/lit 

9. Mealybug

Scientific name of mealybug: Phenacoccus solan

Damage stage of insect: Nymph and Female adult

Stage of occurrence: All crop stages but predominant during vegetative and early flowering stage

Symptoms of Mealybug in cotton: 

  • White fluffy mass of mealybugs can be seen on the underside of the leaves, near growing tips and stems with waxy secretions 
  • Plants infested during vegetative stage shows distorted or bushy shoots and crinkled or twisted bunchy leaves 
  • Affects the growing parts leading to under developed flowers producing small deformed bolls  
  • Presence of honeydew secretion which causes black sooty mould development 
  • Affected plants appear sick and black showing burnt appearance 

Favourable conditions for Mealybug infestation in cotton: 

Presence of alternate host, warm and humid climate, uncleaned equipment or tools, imbalanced fertilizer usage, lack of crop rotation, flooded conditions, presence of ants and lack of field sanitation favours mealybug infestation in cotton. 

ETL: 3 – 4 Nos/leaf 

Management of Mealybug in cotton: 

Product Name  Technical Content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Mechanical Management 
Tapas Yellow Sticky Trap  11 cm x 28 cm  4 – 6/acre 
Biological Management 
Amruth Alestra Liquid   Verticillium lecanii  2 ml/lit water 
Kaybee Mealy Raze (Bio Pesticide)  Natural Extracts  2 ml/lit water 
Control TRM Bio-pesticide  Organic blend of botanical extracts    2 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management  
Sivanto Bayer Insecticide  Flupyradifurone  2 ml/lit water 
Cropnosys Chivas Insecticide Granules  Thiamethoxam 25 % WG  0.3-0.5 gm water 
Hunk Insecticide  Acephate 95% SG  1-1.5gm/lit water 
Confidor Insecticide  Imidacloprid 200 SL (17.8 % w/w)  0.75 to 1 ml/lit water 
Hifield AG Pyramid Insecticide  Acetamaprid 20% SP  0.5gm/lit water 
Token Insecticide  Dinotefuran 20% SG  0.2 – 0.3 gm/lit water 
Curacron Insecticide  Profenofos 50% EC  4 ml/lit water 

10. Mites:

Scientific names of Mite:

  • Red Spider Mite – Tetranychus neocaledonicus
  • Wolly Mite – Aceria gossypii
  • Yellow Mite/Broad Mite – Polyphagotarsonemus latus

Damage stage of insect: Nymph and adults

Stage of occurrence: All crop stages

Symptoms of Mites in cotton: 

  • Fine webbings can be seen on the undersurface of the leaves 
  • Mites puncture the leaf tissues from under surface and feed on the sap 
  • Removal of plant sap with chlorophyll and other pigments results in reddish bronze discolouration on the leaves (Red spider mite) 
  • Presence of whitish hair arising on both surface of leaf (Wolly mite) 
  • Leaf turn upward, become brittle and results in stunted growth (Yellow mite) 
  • Causes withering and shedding of affected leaves 

Favourable conditions for Mite infestation in cotton: 

High temperature and low humidity level, lack of field sanitation, dusty conditions in the field and water stress conditions i.e., over-irrigation or under-irrigation can increase the chances of Mite infestation. 

ETL: 10 mites per sq meter 

Management of Mites in cotton: 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Biological Management 
Control TRM Bio-pesticide  Organic blend of botanical extracts    Foliar: 1.5 to 2ml/lit water 
Royal Clear Mite  100% derived from plant extracts  2 ml/lit water 
R Mite Bio Acaricide  Plant extracts  1 – 2 ml/ lit water 
PerfoMite  Phyto-extracts – 30%, Enzyme extracts – 5%, Chitin Dissolvers  2 ml / 1 lit water 
Chemical Management 
Oberon Insecticide    Spiromesifen 22.9% SC   0.3 ml /lit water 
Abacin Insecticide  Abamectin 1.9% EC  0.7 ml /lit water 
Maiden Insecticide  Hexythiazox 5.45% EC  1 ml /lit water 
Intrepid insecticide  Chlorfenapyr 10% SC  2 ml/lit water 
Danitol Insecticide  Fenpropathrin 10% EC  1.5 ml/lit water 
MIT Plus Insecticide  Ethion 40%+ Cypermethrin 5% EC  2.5 ml/lit water 

11. Red cotton bug

Scientific name of Red cotton Bug: Dysdercus cingulatus

Damage stage of insect: Nymph and adult

Stage of occurrence: Reproductive stage

Symptoms of Red cotton bug in cotton: 

  • Nymph and adults suck the sap of the plant as well as the bolls 
  • It causes red stains on the lint and hence called as ‘cotton boll stainers 
  • Inner boll wall have water-soaked spots and leads to rotting of bolls 
  • Affected seeds loses viability 
  • Staining of fibre at the site of injury is due to entry of the bacterium Nematospora gossypii 

Favourable conditions for Red cotton bug in cotton: 

Late planting, high temperature of above 27°C, drought stress, weed source, previous crop’s residues or presence of mulches and lack of natural enemieslike spiders and ants create conditions for red cotton bug infestation. 

ETL: 10 – 15 bugs/100 plants or per m2 area 

Management of Red cotton bug in cotton: 

Product Name  Technical content   Dosage (per lit water) 
Biological Management 
Greenpeace Neemol (10000 PPM) Bio Neem Oil Insecticide   Neem Oil extracts (Azardiractin)  1-2 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Benevia Insecticide  Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD  1.5 ml/lit water 
Asataf Insecticide  Acephate 75% SP  1-1.5gm/lit water 
Anant Insecticide  Thiamethoxam 25 % WG  0.3 – 0.5 gm /lit water 
Anshul Chlocip  Chlorpyriphos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% EC  2ml/lit water 

NOTE:

  • Economic Threshold Level (ETL) – It is the population density at which the control measures need to be determined to prevent the increasing pest population 
  • By checking the ETL level in the field, the above mentioned pest management approaches can be taken up to control the pest, to reduce the risk of infestation and to minimize the crop loss in the future. 
  • However, following the preventive measures are in the first place to reduce the potential risk 
  • Check the product’s description for finding the right time of insecticide application.

Rashtriya Gokul Mission: Support for Cattle Farmers

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Rashtriya Gokul Mission 
rashtriya gokul mission scheme

Cattle rearing has been a traditional livelihood in India and is closely related to the agricultural economy. Since December 2014, PM Narendra Modi in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare has initiated the Rashtriya Gokul Mission plan for the development and preservation of native bovine species. For the rural farmers in the country, this scheme is important for increasing milk production and productivity of bovines in order to meet the growing demand for milk. 

Scheme Overview

  • Scheme Name: Rashtriya Gokul Mission 
  • Scheme Implemented: 2014 (continued for 2021 to 2026) 
  • Scheme Fund Allocated: Rs. 2400 crore  
  • Type of Government Scheme: Central Government Scheme 
  • Sector Scheme: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying 
  • Website to Apply: https://dahd.nic.in/ 
  • Helpline No: NA
  • Scheme Type: National Scheme
  • Covered States: The Rashtriya Gokul Mission 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.

Key Features of Rashtriya Gokul Mission

CATEGORY  REMARKS 
Focused project under   National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development – NPBBD  
Beneficiaries   Country’s farmers and Pastoralists 
Funding pattern  100% grant-in-aid basis with few exceptions, 

  • Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme – Subsidy of Rs. 5000per IVF pregnancy 
  • For Sex Sorted Semen – Subsidy up to 50% of the cost 
  • Establishment of Breed multiplication farm – Up to 50% of the capital cost is provided by central government; 3% subsidy intervention can also be taken under AHIDF scheme on the loan amount  

                         • Cow/Buffalo Breeding Farm: Rs. 4 Crore 

                         • Pig Breeding Farm: Rs. 1 Crore 

                         • Chicken Breeding Farm: Rs. 60 lakhs 

                         • Goat breeding Farm: Rs. 50 lakhs 

Implementing Agency  All agencies playing a key role in indigenous cattle development are “Participating Agencies” including Central Frozen Semen Production & Training Institute (CFSPTI), Central Cattle Breeding Farms (CCBFs), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Universities, Colleges, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Cooperative Societies. 

 

Components of Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)

Following Major Components are covered under Gokul Mission Yojana, 

1. Breed Improvement by Modern Reproductive Techniques

  • Establishment of Embryo Transfer Technology 
  • Sex sorted Semen Production 

2. Enhancement of Production and Productivity

  • Progeny Testing 
  • Pedigree Selection 

3. Extension of Artificial Insemination (AI) Coverage 

  • Establishment of Multi-purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India (MAITRI) Centres 
  • Strengthening of existing AI Centres 
  • Strengthening LN storage, transport and distribution system 
  • Training of existing AI Technicians 

4. Conservation of Indigenous Breeds

  • Establishment of Gokul Gram/ Integrated Cattle Development 
  • Establishment of National Kamdhenu Breeding Centres. 

5. Awareness Programmes 

  • Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme  
  • Organization of Fertility camps 
  • Launch of e-Gopala App  
  • Awards to Farmer (Gopal Ratna/Kamdhenu) 

Latest News about the scheme

Rashtriya Gokul Mission subsidy scheme is continued under revised and realigned scheme of the Department of AHD, with an allocation of Rs. 2400 crore, from 2021-22 to 2025-26. 

Rashtriya Gokul Mission Objectives

  • Development and Conservation of indigenous breeds. 
  • To develop indigenous breeds including up to 40% non-descript breeds through the establishment of integrated cattle development centres called Gokul Grams. 
  • To increase milk production and enhance bovines productivity using advanced technologies 
  • To propagate bulls with high genetic merit for breeding purposes 
  • To increase the coverage of Artificial insemination through strengthening breeding networks and delivering services at farmers’ doorsteps. 

Gokul Mission Yojana Benefits

  • Rashtriya Gokul Mission Scheme helps to increase productivity, which in turn benefit all cattle and buffaloes in India, especially small and marginal farmers.  
  • Women will also be benefited by Rashtriya Gokul Mission Yojana, since 70% of the work involved in livestock farming is undertaken by them. 

Documents Required for Gokul Mission

  • Aadhar Card 
  • Address proof 
  • Age Proof 
  • Residence Certificate 
  • Income Certificate 
  • Passport size photograph 

How to apply for Rashtriya Gokul Mission?

  • To apply for the Rashtriya Gokul Mission RGM, Visit the Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department in your District  
  • Take all the required documents with you when visiting the Office 
  • Then, get the application form for the scheme from the respective authority  
  • Fill in the details asked in the application form and attach the necessary documents mentioned in the form 
  • Submit the form after filling all the required information. Your application process is completed once you submit the form. 

Conclusion

Cattle rearing is an important job that provides a livelihood for many people. Cross breeding decreases the productivity of cows and results in lower milk yields. Rashtriya Gokul Mission strives to address this issue on a large scale through defined plan and effective set of procedure. The government provides an enormous amount of funding that only needs to be used wisely and in a quality direction.

Want to learn how the National Livestock Mission supports livestock farmers across India? Click here for more information.