Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 23: The Department of Agriculture, Little Andaman regularly conducts Pest & Disease Surveillance in the Farmers Field for monitoring Pest and Disease incidence. The prevailing weather conditions offer a suitable environment for pest infestation in major crops particularly Coconut and Arecanut. During the Pest and Disease surveillance at Vivekanandapur, Ramakrishnapur and Rabindranagar incidences of Pest and Disease like Rhinoceros Beetle, Leaf Spot disease, Crown Rot, Yellow Leaf Disease, Rugose Spiralling Whiteflies on Coconut & Arecanut were reported in pockets.
The Rugose Spiralling Whitefly (RSW) is an invasive pest that attacks various crops, particularly vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants. The whitefly feeds on plant sap, weakening the plant, causing yellowing of leaves, and often leading to a reduction in crop yield, although the incidence level of the pest was observed in Trace intensity below Economic Threshold Level(ETL).
In a significant effort to combat the growing menace of pests, particularly the Rugose Spiraling Whitefly, the Department of Agriculture has taken proactive measures. On 20th March, 2025, a mass spraying of Neem Insecticide-0.02 % E.C was conducted in the field of Mr. Deepak Ranjan Bala, Mr. Hari Mondal, Mr. Krishnapada Bachar, Vivekanandapur for effective control of these pests. The spraying of Neem Oil-0.02% E.C was kick-started by Mr. Parimal Mondal, Pradhan, Vivekanandapur. Along with PRIs, 16 farmers from Vivekanandapur, Assistant Director (Agri.), Agriculture officer, Agriculture Field Assistants, ATMA Staffs, and farmer friends worked collaboratively for this drive for control of this pest.
In addition to Spraying of Neem insecticide-0.02 % E.C farmers were advised for installation of Yellow Sticky Trap @15nos/Acre and conserve and augment natural predators of Rugose Spiralling Whitefly such as Green Lacewing(Chrysoperla sp.), Ladybird Beetle (Coccinellid spp.). Advisory has been issued to PRIs & Farmers for effective control of the pests. For further assistance and any information farmers have been requested to contact Zonal Agriculture Office or nearest Sub-Depots/ Extension field functionaries or contact Kisan Call Center: 03192-243434,1800-345-1145 on all Working days.
