(a) whether the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is engaged in research
for developing bio-control agents as pesticides;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has taken any steps for the awareness of this bio-control
agents to farmers; and
(d) if so, the manner in which the bio-control agents are likely to benefit the
farmers?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND
FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) Yes, Madam. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has taken up research for
developing bio-control agents for suppressing crop pests.
(b) The natural enemies of crop pests (insects, mites, nematodes, diseases) are
identified and methods for their mass-production are developed. These natural enemies
are used for distribution in crop fields at the time of invasion of the designated pest
species in crops. These natural enemies would destroy these noxious pests by living on
them.
(c) & (d): Yes, Madam. The farmers are advised through onfarm farmer participatory
demonstrations, awareness programmes in Kisan mela, Farmers’ Meet, exhibitions, training
programs and through audio and visual media, print media etc.
The eco-friendly methods using biological control of crop pests have reduced the use of
synthetic chemical pesticides in crops, increasing better health of farms and farmers.