(a) whether the Karnataka has always faced the problem of caterpillars;
(b) if so, the steps taken by the Union Government in this regard; and
(c) the nature of assistance provided so far and proposed to provided by the Union
Government to the State to tackle the problem?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)
(a): No, Sir.
(b)&(c): The Central Government advises the State Governments/Departments of
Horticulture/Agriculture to monitor the pest and disease situation in various crops and provide
advisories, so that the States can take appropriate control measures to avoid crop losses.
Further, to assist the States, Central Government has established 31 Central Integrated
Pest Management Centres in 28 States and one Union Territory under the scheme `Strengthening
and Modernization of Pest Management Approach in India`. The mandate of these Centres is pest/
disease monitoring, production and release of bio-control agents/bio-pesticides, conservation of
bio-control agents and Human Resource Development in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) by
imparting training to Agriculture/Horticulture Extension Officers and farmers at grass root
level by organizing Farmers Field Schools (FFSs). Under the scheme 544 FFSs have been organized
over the years, wherein 2232 Agriculture/Horticulture Extension Officers and 16,670 farmers in
different States/Union Territories have been trained on latest IPM technology in various crops.
IPM package of practices for pest/disease management in 77 major crops in collaboration with
State Department of Agriculture/Horticulture/Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Institutions/State Agriculture Universities have been prepared and circulated to all States/
Union Territories for their use.
Further, grant-in-aid of Rs.101.84 lakhs has been given for strengthening/setting up of
State Bio-control Laboratory (SBCL) at Gulbarga, and State Pesticide Testing Laboratories in
the State.