(a) whether the Government are aware that a `No Pest` campaign in Bangladesh led to
a reduction of 76 per cent in pesticide usage and a subsequent yield increase of 11 per
cent in crop production;
(b) if so, whether the Government propose to frame a similar policy to decrease
pesticide usage and to increase the production;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) if not, the alternative measures proposed to be taken by the Government in this
regard?
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI AJIT SINGH)
(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFFERED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 200 DUE FOR REPLY ON 3RD DECEMBER, 2001.
(a) to (d): Government are not aware of `No Pest` campaign in Bangladesh. However,
the Government have adopted eco-friendly Integrated Pest Management approach as
cardinal principle of plant protection in the overall crop production programme. Under this
approach known pest control methods viz. cultural, mechanical, biological and need based
minimum use of chemical pesticides are being advocated. Emphasis is being laid on
human resource development by imparting Integrated Pest Management training to field
functionaries and farmers, organization of Integrated Pest Management demonstrations
and promotion of biological control with emphasis on use of biopesticides and pesticides of
plant origin like neem based formulations.
There has been a reduction in pesticide use from 61,357 Metric tonnes (Technical
Grade) during 1994-95 to 43,584 Metric tonnes (Technical Grade) during 2000-01 in the
country.
Production and productivity depend on many factors like weather, soil, water
management, seeds, new technology, input management including pesticides, farmers
practices etc. Efforts are being made to increase production and productivity under the
National Agriculture Policy. There has been an increase in the yield of foodgrains from
1546 Kilogram per hectare in 1994-95 to 1697 Kilogram per hectare in 1999-2000 and
increase in production of foodgrains from 191.50 million tonnes in 1994-95 to 208.87
million tonnes in 1999-2000.