Students Educate Banana Farmers on Biological Pest Control Methods
Suryaa Now National Desk: Final-year students of Amrita University organised an awareness seminar on pest management in banana cultivation for local banana farmers in Kurunallipalayam Gram Panchayat as part of their Rural Agricultural Work Experience Programme.
The programme was conducted under the leadership of College Dean Dr. Sudheesh Manalil. Students Advait, Aishwarya, Aswathy, Devi, Harinarayanan, Hrudhya, Janushree, Lochan, Roshini, Sai Lokesh, Shiva and Subhashini actively participated in organising the seminar.
The main objective was to demonstrate the role of biological control agents in managing sap-sucking pests affecting banana crops. During the interactive session, students explained the advantages of classical biological control methods over chemical pest management and shared useful information with farmers on sustainable approaches to controlling crop pests.
As part of the demonstration, the students introduced Green Lacewing (Chrysoperla) eggs into the banana plantation of a progressive farmer to explain their role in controlling aphids and whiteflies.
Farmers who attended the seminar also enquired about the cost of Green Lacewing eggs and the sources from which they could be purchased. The students provided information to help farmers understand the availability and use of these biological control agents.
The seminar proved beneficial to both students and farmers by providing an opportunity to exchange practical knowledge and understand the pest-related challenges in banana cultivation.
The interactive programme also encouraged farmers to consider biological control agents as an effective alternative for managing pests, reducing dependence on chemical control methods and promoting more sustainable banana cultivation practices.
