Use of ICT initiatives in integrated pest management

Abstract

Information Communication Technology (ICT) refers to systems for producing storing, sending and retrieving digital files. These files can contain text, sounds and images both still and moving. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) refers to an ecologically based strategy of maintaining insect pest population below the economic injury level by the use of any or all control techniques that are economically, ecologically and socially acceptable. IPM is knowledge intensive, requiring holistic approach, expert advice, timely decision making and action on fast track. Pest management revolves around pest diagnostics, surveillance, forecasting and dissemination of expert information in short duration. The improved methods of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) greatly help the farmers in accessing the pest management information and expertise