ICT-BASED INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

The Information Communication Technology (ICT)-based system of pest surveillance has become indispensable component of Integrated Pest Management System. NCIPM has developed an ICT-based system that encompasses computer-based storage, transfer, retrieval, sharing, and reporting of pest data for appropriate and timely decision-making for better pest management. The technology on e-pest surveillance and advisory was developed with the aim of collection and transfer of data on insect - pests and diseases from remote villages to NCIPM through internet and issue of pest management advisories to the main stakeholders in the form of short message service (SMSs) to the mobile phones of the registered farmers. Since the inception of unique ICT-based pest surveillance system during 2008, NCIPM has developed several ICT-based pest surveillance systems, viz., NISPM (OPMAS), CROPSAP, HORTISAP, A3P, NICRA, pest surveillance programme in Malawi (Africa), etc. and successfully managed pest problems in several crops in India and abroad. Timely issue of appropriate plant protection advisories is helpful in appropriate decision-making which may not only result in saving crops worth millions of rupees but also save environmental cost and conserve the beneficial organisms.