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• What exactly are the challenges facing farmers in Maharashtra?

• Increased risk of rice pests

• What do the experts say?

India It is known as one of the major rice producing countries in the world. India alone accounts for 28 percent of the world’s rice production. The total production of rice in the country is about 15 crore metric tons. This success reflects India’s competent agricultural management and the determination of farmers. But the old challenges are still standing in front of rice production.

Experts have predicted that the average production of rice in India for the period 2025-26 will reach 4 thousand 390 kg per hectare. But due to local level constraints the real challenge is faced as the production is not uniform in all parts. Due to insect infestation, the yield of paddy is not sufficient. This reduces crop yield. Farmers suffer financial losses. NK Rajavelu, CEO, Crop Protection Business, Godrej Agrovet Let’s learn about the four major insect challenges faced by rice farmers.

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1. Risk of invisible insects

Farmers report leafroller and borer as the most damaging pests in rice production. The infestation of the beetles usually starts about two to four weeks after the plants are planted. This insect penetrates inside the trunk. Therefore, the infestation of this insect is not noticed at first. Germ infestation is detected after the crop starts wilting or shows signs of dead heart.

30 to 40 percent loss of rice crop is affected by this pest. During this period, the incidence of leaf-rolling worm also increases. This caterpillar wraps the leaf and interferes with the functioning of the green matter. As a result, crop growth is stunted due to disruption of photosynthesis. This pest is not visible at first. So it becomes difficult to control in time. In case of uncontrolled infestation of this pest, 20 to 30 percent loss is seen. Often, infestations of both pests are noticed after major damage. So it becomes difficult for the farmers to take measures at the right time.

2. Incidence of insects increases during crop growth

Insect infestation occurs only when the rice crop is growing. The weevil damages the crop in the early stages. This damage is not immediately noticeable. During the period of 40 to 60 days after planting, both borer and leafroller infestations increase during the budding and grain setting stages. The hot-humid and watery environment required for rice cultivation favors the growth of these insects. Therefore, the risk of insects remains constant throughout the year. Due to continuous infestation at various stages, farmers do not get enough time to take immediate measures. As a result, crops are damaged.

3. Constraints in Crop Protection Scheme

Farmers lamented that the pesticides available in the market do not provide complete protection against insects. The effect of these insecticides is not long, the effects of the drugs are not visible at the expected time, frequent spraying increases the cost of the farmers, besides this work requires more time to concentrate.

77 percent rice producers farmer Godrej Agrovet’s survey showed that they prefer quick pest control measures to those that provide long-term protection. The survey highlighted farmers’ need for effective and reliable pest control measures with minimal intervention.

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4. Increasing cultivation of rice requires effective pest control

Rice fetches good market price in the country. As the demand for this crop is also increasing, the cultivation area of ​​rice is likely to increase in the coming years. However, there is a fear that the incidence of insects will also increase with the increasing cultivated area. Even though the rice crop is affected by less insects, it causes heavy losses. There is a huge financial impact. Farmers therefore need pest control measures that work effectively on large farms and protect crops when applied at the right time. They aim to have a reliable system that can prevent losses.

Despite the expansion of rice cultivation, insect pest is a major challenge in producing quality produce. At such a time, farmers need tools that are fast, efficient and provide protection at critical stages of the crop. Now the new product ‘Godrej Agrovet Takais’ has become a panacea for this problem. This product provides immediate control of pests. Provides long-lasting protection. Moreover, the quality of agricultural crops also remains intact.