Pod borer caterpillars attack tur flowers in Washim, adding to farmers' costs

Shirpur Jain: Erratic rain and unfavourable weather have hit kharif crops this year. The remaining tur crop now appears to be threatened by a growing caterpillar infestation. Fields are full of yellow tur flowers, but caterpillars have begun attacking the flowers and buds, leaving farmers worried. With the pest spreading at the crucial flowering stage, there are fears that tur production will suffer.

This kharif season, soybean suffered the most from the irregular rain. In many farmers' fields, soybean growth stopped, while the turmeric crop is also in a poor state for want of water. Farmers had hoped that tur would give a good yield. In some areas the tur plants are lush and green, and had a profusion of yellow flowers. But various pests are now attacking at the flowering and pod-setting stage. Damage to the pods raises the fear of flower drop and pod drop.

The period when tur bears flowers in large numbers is crucial for production. If pests multiply at this stage, the flowers are damaged and fewer pods may form. Farmers were already in financial distress because of the weather, and they now face the additional cost of controlling the pests. They are also worried about whether even expensive pesticide sprays will bring the results they hope for.

To bring the caterpillar infestation under control in time, the agriculture department should guide farmers on correctly identifying the pest, the level of infestation and proper pest management. Instead of spraying pesticides repeatedly and unnecessarily, farmers need to take measures on the advice of agriculture experts.