A critical alarm has been raised in Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala, as the Kerala Centre for Pest Management (KCPM) issues an urgent alert. Widespread infestations of menacing leaf folders and stem borers are threatening paddy fields currently under second-season cultivation, putting farmers’ livelihoods at risk.
Experts from KCPM have confirmed the presence of these destructive pests in paddy plants ranging from 20 to 90 days old. While infestations have been documented across a staggering 190 hectares spanning 37 different paddy fields, a particularly severe impact has been observed on approximately 60 hectares. Leaf folders appear to be a pervasive threat, affecting nearly all fields, whereas stem borers are concentrated in specific regions. In response to this escalating crisis, the KCPM has promptly released a comprehensive set of control guidelines to assist farmers.
A key piece of advice for farmers is to exercise caution and avoid premature pesticide application. Simply spotting insects does not necessitate immediate chemical intervention. KCPM recommends observing for adult moths; if large numbers are present, larvae are likely to emerge within 7 to 10 days. Pesticides are most effective only when applied once these larvae are clearly visible. Generally, control measures are advised only when farmers discover more than one folded leaf per 100 tillers, indicating a significant level of infestation.
For younger paddy plants, specifically those up to 45 days old, granular insecticides can be an effective solution. These should be incorporated into the soil, ideally alongside fertilizers or organic manure. It is crucial to maintain a thin layer of water on the field surface during application to maximize the insecticide’s efficacy, and this water should be allowed to remain in the field post-application.
For more mature crops, exceeding 45 days in age, spraying methods are recommended when pest control becomes unavoidable. However, this approach comes with inherent risks, particularly to beneficial insects that help maintain ecological balance. Furthermore, certain pesticides can inadvertently encourage the proliferation of other harmful pests, such as brown planthoppers. Therefore, the selection and application of chemical pesticides must always be undertaken with extreme care and, critically, only after receiving expert technical advice.
Farmers must be vigilant: continuous or improper use of pesticides, especially with insufficient water during spraying, can lead to pests quickly developing resistance, rendering future treatments ineffective. For this reason, every pesticide application demands the highest level of caution and precision.
Immediate action is paramount if infestations occur during the critical panicle initiation stage. Equally important is preventing any pest attacks during the sensitive flowering stage, which directly impacts yield. Fortunately, many of the recommended control measures are effective against both leaf folder and stem borer infestations, simplifying management for farmers.
For further assistance and detailed information on pest management strategies, Kuttanad farmers are encouraged to contact the Kerala Centre for Pest Management (KCPM) directly at 9383470697.