To manage pest problems with minimum use of pesticides, integrated pest management (IPM) strategy was designed and implemented in basmati rice cv. PB1718 in wide area in farmers’ participatory mode in the village Nidana, Rohtak, Haryana during kharif 2020 to 2023 in 200 hectares.

The IPM proved effective in significantly reducing yellow stem borer incidence (21.91%), brown plant hopper (45.95%), bakane disease (86.02), bacterial leaf blight (78.92%) and blast (55.30%), along with an increase in natural enemy population i.e. spiders compared to farmer practice (FP). The population of spiders was higher in IPM (1.07/hill) compared to FP (0.22/hill).

IPM helped in reducing the cost of cultivation (15.60%) by reducing number of pesticides application (48.72%) as well as the reduction in amount of pesticides’ active ingredient (82.29%).

The yield under IPM increased by 8.48 % over FP due to reduced losses and adoption of good agriculture practices. The benefit cost ratio in IPM (2.80) was superior to FP (2.17) with 29.51 % higher net return over FP.

The IPM strategy proved economically viable, provided an effective pest suppression in an eco-friendly manner by conserving natural enemies through minimization of pesticide applications, and thus adoptable under farmers’ field conditions.

Horizontal spread of IPM in basmati rice in cluster of 42 villages near Bambawad, Gautam Budh Nagar, UP has also been done successfully with coverage of 1700 ha area with participation of 1100 farmers. IPM adoption resulted in higher yield (IPM 45q/ha, FP 42.5 q/ha) in short duration varieties PB 1847, PB 1692 which received less attack of YSB (white ear 2-5% in IPM 8-10% in FP) compared to long duration varieties PB1121, PB1885 (IPM 30 q/ha FP 25 Q/ha) which were severely damaged by the yellow stem borer (white ear peak infestation >50% in FP). IPM fields also recorded a significant reduction in application of pesticides (>30%) over FP.

IPM in basmati rice was validated during Kharif 2024 in 20 ha area in village Chitbhawan (26.792329, 79.080863) of District Etawah Uttar Pradesh with participation of 20 farmers in basmati rice variety PB1692. IPM implementation resulted in significant reduction in number pesticides applications (25 %), pesticides active ingredient (73%), increase in yield (16.9 %), and increase in net profit (49.83%) compared to Farmers practice (FP). The yield and B-C ratio was higher in IPM (36.5 q/ha, B:C 1.8) compared to FP (31.25 q/ha, B:C 1.53). Horizontal spread of IPM in basmati rice in cluster of 42 villages near Bambawad, Gautam Budh Nagar, UP has also been done successfully with coverage of 1800 ha area with participation of >1100 farmers.

This study validates, refines, and promotes an Integrated Pest Management strategy in maize cultivation in farmer participatory mode at Udaipur, Rajasthan. The results shows that IPM significantly reduced fall armyworm infestation (17%) compared to farmer practices (32.8%) and control (54.9%) during 2022-2024. Stem borer infestation also recorded lower under IPM, averaging 10.68%, compared to 13.07% in farmer practice and 17.54% in control. Maydis leaf blight severity increased from 10% (2022) to 18% (2024) in IPM fields, 18% to 28% in FP, and 22% to 37% in control, while Banded leaf and sheath blight severity averaged 7.3% in IPM, 11.5% in FP, and 18.6% in control demonstrating the effectiveness of IPM in reducing disease impact over time.

Natural enemy populations were recorded highest in control plots (11.9/50 plants), followed by IPM (7.2/50 plants) and lowest in control (3.6/50 plants). Economic analysis highlighted IPM’s superior profitability, with the highest yields (36 q/ha) and net returns (Rs. 48,780/ha), while FP fields had moderate yields (29.8 q/ha, Rs.32, 334), and control fields had the lowest, 18 q/ha and net return was Rs.14, 942. The Benefit-Cost ratio further emphasized IPM's profitability, averaging above 2.20 across years, compared to FP (1.63–2.06) and control (1.12–1.56). Knowledge dissemination through farmer field schools, IPM field day and training programs improved farmers’ understanding of pest identification, natural enemy conservation, and ETL-based interventions. The study concludes that participatory IPM validation in maize enhances yield, profitability and promoting environmental sustainability.

Module on IPM mango was developed and evaluated at two geographical areas viz., Chintamani, Karnataka and Meerut, Uttar Pradesh during 2020-2024 in area of 16 ha each. Further wide area dissemination was done in more than 65 ha area.

The module was very effective and maximum population of insect pests, diseases was recorded in untreated control followed by FP and lowest in IPM plots. In contrast, natural enemy population was highest in untreated control followed by IPM and FP plots. Timely introduction of IPM strategies in IPM plots is the main reason for lowest pest population. Besides, recording Highest yield and BC ratio compared to FP & untreated control.

A comprehensive field validation was carried at Chichgohan, Bherukheda and Bamjhar villages of Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh to assess the efficacy of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in Bt cotton in farmer-participatory mode. IPM strategies included sowing in the month of June along with refugia, taking bajra/maize/sorghum as border crop and intercropping with cowpea for natural enemy conservation, Neem oil (Azadirachtin 1500 ppm) @ 5ml/litre of water mixed with laundry detergent emulsion for sucking pests and pink bollworm, need based application of flonicamid 50 WG (200 g/ha) for sucking pests, use of SPLAT formulation (specialized pheromone and lure application technology) @125g/acre at 400-500 spots 3-4 times at monthly interval for managing pink bollworm, need-based application safer pesticides, termination of crop by end of December and destruction of crop residue. IPM approach led to a significant reduction (46-81%) in the incidence of major cotton pests such as jassids, whiteflies, thrips and pink bollworm. Additionally, there was a notable increase in the population of beneficial insects in IPM fields, supporting the ecological sustainability of the approach. The reduction in green boll damage and open boll damage (30.51%) was recorded in IPM as compared to IPM fields. The number of pesticide sprays was reduced by nearly half (46.55%) in IPM fields as compared to FP without compromising crop productivity. In fact, yield increased by 25.38%, net returns by 56% and benefit-cost ratio by 28% as compared farmers practice fields.

Integrated pest management (IPM) validation trial was conducted during Kharif 2022–2024 in Bhainichanderpal village, Rohtak, Haryana. IPM interventions included timely sowing, regular pest monitoring, seed treatment with Trichoderma asperellum, yellow sticky traps installation, Specialized Pheromone and Lure Application Technology (SPLAT) for pink bollworm management and need based application of safer pesticides. IPM module significantly reduced green boll damage by pink bollworm (12.95 % in IPM and 19.75 in FP) and minimized boll rot incidence (13.2 % in IPM 23.85 % in FP). There was 21.05% increase in seed cotton yield in IPM over FP with higher benefit-cost ratio (2.15 in IPM and 1.65 in FP). In addition, IPM led to a 33.5% reduction in pesticide applications over control.

Validation and promotion of cotton IPM with major emphasis on pink bollworm in Wakhari village of (Maharashtra) conducted over 80 ha area covering 83 farm families resulted in 49.2% reduction in number of insecticidal sprays against FP. Seed cotton yield was significantly higher in IPM (18.74 q/ha) compared to FP (15.1 q/ha) with higher benefit cost ratio in IPM (3.96) compared to FP (2.97). Horizontal spread of cotton IPM was also undertaken in 2208 ha across 15 adjoining villages of Jalna district, which resulted in significantly increased yield and reduction in pesticide application. IPM in cotton has been horizontally disseminated in cluster of 20 villages covering >3000 ha area and >2500 farmers of Jalna and Badnapur block of Jalna district of Maharashtra. The adoption of IPM in the cluster of villages resulted in higher yield in IPM field (19.50q/ha) as compared to FP (17.33q/ha) with a significant reduction in application of pesticides (>50%) over FP.

Validated cotton IPM technology in farmers’ participatory mode in 120 ha area in whitefly hot spot in North Zone during 2019. Implementation of IPM resulted in reduction of no. of pesticide applications, active ingredient by 87.37% and pesticides cost by 43.58% in IPM as compared to FP. Implementation of IPM also resulted in increase of yield by 43.88% and net return by 99.92%, with high benefit cost ratio as compared to FP. Implementation of IPM also resulted in increase of natural enemies (predators) population by >276 % (0.79/plant in IPM and 0.21/plant in FP) as compared to FP. Successfully managed ClCuD affected cotton fields by the foliar application of potassium nitrate (NPK 13.0.45 @ 2%) at weekly interval and obtained normal seed cotton yield.

Significant progress was made in field-based hyperspectral data collection across multiple crop-pest systems, including leaf curl virus disease and jassid on cotton, aphid and Alternaria blight on mustard and spot blotch on wheat crop. High-resolution hyperspectral signatures were successfully collected using handheld sensors (350–2500 nm), and key pest reflectance anomalies were identified, particularly in the red-edge and shortwave infrared regions, correlating with biotic stress. Sensitive spectral regions for above-mentioned pest and disease for cotton, mustard and wheat crop were identified based on significant change in reflectance, first and second derivative and correlation with damage severity. Multivariate analysis like Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least-Square Regression (PLSR) were also utilized to identify specific spectral bands to differentiate the healthy from affected crops.

An IPM programme is going on in pigeon pea with the collaboration of KVK Kausambhi (U.P.) in 35 farmer fields of five villages (Sirsi, Charwa, Sajhiyapur, Ayodhyapur and Piperi, N 25° 31', E 81° 51') covering 32 ha area.

During the maximum pod borer (H. armigera) infestation (February), less number of larval population was found IPM (0.45±0.21 l/p) than FP (0.61±0.22) fields.

The maximum pod borer complex infestation (%) was found 15.84±3.5% in IPM and 22.10±4.3% in FP fields. The maximum grain damage was recorded 13.37±3.3% in IPM while it was 19.54±4.6% in FP fields.

The disease incidence of Phytophthora blight was observed in both IPM and FP fields during August and September months, which was lower in IPM fields. On an average the wilt disease incidence was 14.6±5.2% in IPM and 23.12±6.2% FP fields.

Chemical pesticide spray was found reduced by 60% in IPM fields, which in resulted 45% more population of natural enemies in the field.

Thus, more net return was achieved in IPM with the B: C ratio of 4.8 in IPM and 3.6 in FP fields.

The IPM programme in field pea crops is going on at KVKs Jhansi and KVK Jalaun in five villages, Kukargaon, Madri, Nainpura, Chokari and Bilati (La, 25.4358° N, Lo, 81.8463° E) covering 65 ha area of 24 farmers.

In IPM fields, pod borer infestation ranged from 0.23±0.1 to 0.74±0.3 l/m row, whereas it varied from 0.27±0.1 to 1.47±0.4 l/m row in FP fields.

Comparatively less disease incidences of wilt (IPM 10.0±3.0% and FP 13.3±1.8%), powdery mildew (IPM 7.3±2.1% and FP 8.8± 3.2%), rust and Ascochyta blight was achieved in field pea.

Overall, 50% reduction in chemical sprays was achieved in IPM and adopted farmers achieved a higher BC ratio of 3.31 compared to 2.35 in FP fields.

The IPM programme in blackgram and greengram crops was carried out at KVKs Jhansi and KVK Jalaun during Kharif season in four villages, Birgua, Mavai, Gandhinagar and Bawaltada at KVK Jhansi and four villages, Ragauli, Rura-addu, Satraju and Gadgaon at KVK Jalaun, covering 240 ha area.

Soil enrichment by T. harzianum (FYM 1.0 q/ha) before sowing; use of disease tolerant cultivar and seed treatment T. viride (CFUs 2x108, 10g/kg seed) were promoted.

Installation of yellow/ blue sticky traps (25/ha), pheromone traps (10-12 /ha) and installation of solar light traps for mass trapping of insect pests, installation of bird perches (15 /ha) were found effective mechanical control measures in terms of reduce down the number of chemical pesticide sprays from 7 to 3 and conservation of natural enemies.

Relatively in the blackgram field, IPM achieved more gross return with the B:C ratio of 2.06 over 1.61 in FP fields. As well, more return was also obtained in greengram IPM fields viz., B:C ratio of 2:10 in IPM and 1.65 FP fields.

The farmer participatory IPM strategies were validated and disseminated in chickpea crop, covering 692 ha area in six villages Tejpura, Chokari, Ragauli, Rura-addu, Satraju and Gadgaon with collaboration of KVK Jhansi and KVK Jalaun (BUAT, Banda, Bundelkhand, UP) during 2018-2022.

Around 70% farmers adopted the installation of pheromone traps (12-15 traps /ha) for the mass trapping of the adult moths.

The average number of adult moths (male) catches in pheromone traps were recorded 98±14.6/SMW December to February, 2020. Whereas in crop period 2021-22 the moth catches were 112±24.6/SMW. Thus the effective pod borer management was achieved by the installation of pheromone traps.

Farmers’ also got awareness to use bird perches (50 /ha) for the sitting of predatory birds for predation of pod borer larvae.

Farmers could reveal the efficacy of their self-made NSKE (5%) against pod borer in chickpea.

Use of overall IPM strategies, such as microbial bio-agents T. harziaum, Bt and HaNPV etc. were realized as an effective way for the reduction of chemical pesticide consumption in chickpea. IPM fields recorded higher yield as compared to FP with BC ratio of 2.96 and 2.8 in IPM and FP fields respectively.

Location specific eco-friendly IPM technology was validated for groundnut crop in Junagarh, Gujarat and Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh in farmers’ participatory mode.

Pod yield was 9.09 q/ha in IPM as compared to 8.63 q/ha in FP in Ananatapur, Andhra Pradesh.

Field validation trials of location-specific IPM package in rapeseed-mustard were conducted for three crop season (2019/20 to 2021/22) at RVSKVV-Zonal agricultural research station, Morena (M.P.)

Bio-intensive IPM package of soil incorporation of Trichoderma asperellum {Local strain (2.5 kg/ha)} + seed treatment (ST) with T. viride (10g/kg) + two foliar spray of freshly prepared garlic bulb extract (2% w/v) and need-based spray of neem oil (Azadirachtin 300 PPM) @ 5 ml/l of water when aphids’ population cross ETL (25 aphids / 10 cm of central shoot) was found best with seed yield of 29.2 qtl. / ha

IPM package increased the population of natural enemies and pollinators, and the seed yield was found to be increased by 25 per cent over control. It also reduced the per cent incidence of aphid (71%) and severity of Sclerotinia stem rot, and powdery mildew disease to the greater extent

Bio-intensive IPM approach in rapeseed-mustard was popularized in farmers’ participatory mode of approach with participation of 183 farmers from 41 villages on 80 ha in Morena and Bhind district in collaboration with RVSKVV- ZARS, Morena (M.P.) and in NCR Gurugram (Haryana) by ICAR-NRIIPM, New Delhi during 2019 to 2022. IPM approach was found better over farmers Practices with benefit-cost ratio in IPM: 3.21 to 4.89 and in FP: 2.98 to 4.8

Broomrape (Orobanche aegyptica) management practices were synthesized for agro climatic zone 1c (Hyper arid partially irrigated western plain zone)

Experiments were conducted at CCSHAU-RRS, Bawal, Rewari, Haryana and SKNAU-KVK, Navgaon, Alwar, Rajasthan for synthesis and validation of IPM in Mustard during 2017-19

Large-scale implementation of validated IPM in mustard was carried out in farmers’ participatory mode in 20 ha area in village Kabalana, Jhajjar and Mohmadpur, Alwar during 2018-19. IPM technology of mustard performed better than Farmers’ practices

Mustard IPM package involving microbial, botanical and chemical pesticide was evaluated at three locations (ICAR-NRIIPM, Rajpur Khurd, New Delhi, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi and SKNAU-RARI, Durgapura, Jaipur) for mitigation of crop stresses and to obtain accurate assessments for seed yields and economic benefits. Mustard IPM package was certified by ICAR vide ICAR-CS-NRIIPM Technology-2-024-032

Soil augmentation as well as seed treatment with Trichoderma strains and spray of thiamethoxam was found better than control in reducing the aphids & white rust disease and increasing the yield

While validating the component-wise IPM package for mustard, seed treatment with garlic extract (2% w/v) proved the most viable technology in terms of returns

Mustard IPM strategy for Sclerotinia rot was included in the package of practices of Zone Ib (Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh) and Zone IIIb (Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli, Khairtal and Swai Madhopur) of Rajasthan by SDA, Rajasthan and now widely adopted by the intended users

Mustard IPM was also included in Package of Practices for Zone IIIa (Jaipur, Ajmer, Tonk and Dausa) of Rajasthan by SDA, Rajasthan and now widely adopted by the intended users

Each additional rupee invested in adoption of IPM mustard technology gave INR 5.1 in return thus giving good economic logic for adoption of this technology

Large scale validation of IPM package along with crop growth stage was made in Mahindergarh(Haryana) and Alwar (Rajasthan) district with participation of 100 farmers of four villages in 60 ha during 2014-17

IPM module for bitter gourd was validated in more than 40 ha area in Karnal, Haryana and 12 ha area in villages Mahagoan and Basartpur, Varanashi, Uttar Pradesh.

Implementation of IPM resulted in lesser number of chemical sprays 5.5 in IPM as compared to 8.5 in FP and an increased yield of 187.4 q/ha in IPM in karnal and reduction in number of chemical sprays to 7 and increase in yield 187 q/ ha in Varanasi.

Developed and validated IPM technology for cucumber crop in 40 ha area of District Karnal (Haryana). Implementation of IPM technology resulted in reduction of number of chemical sprays to 5.0 in IPM as against 12.0 in FP and higher yields 252.8 q/ha in IPM fields as as compared to yield 244.0 q/ha obtained in FP. Cymoxanil 8% + mancozeb 64 % (Curzet 72 WP) was effective in managing downy mildew in cucumber.

Successfully demonstrated IPM technology for bottle gourd crop in 60 ha area in District Karnal (Haryana). Implementation of IPM technology resulted in increasing the bottle gourd yields to 38.82 t/ha compared to 24.3 t/ha observed in farmers’ fields. CBR in bottle gourd was high 1:3.87 than 1:2.40 obtained by farmers who did not follow IPM. Red pumpkin beetle was very well managed by using neem oil 0.15% (1500 ppm) with sticker.

Integrated Management of fruit fly successfully undertaken in more >1000 acres area in Haryana. Large area adoption for integrated management of fruit flies made IPM more and more acceptable and adoptable by farmers thereby fast increasing the spread and percolation of IPM technologies in Haryana. Training of farmers entailed increased levels of knowledge base for the adopted farming families.

IPM technology for bulb onion crop was validated in 10 ha area in village Wadgaon Sahani in Rabi and Khairewad in Kharif of district Pune, Maharashtra. IPM technology in onion was also validated in village Singoha-Rambha of Karnal district.

Implementation of IPM resulted in reduction of chemical pesticide sprays from 10.0 to 3.0 with higher CBR of 1:1.9 in IPM during Rabi and Kharif. Implementation of IPM technology resulted in marginal increase in yield.

Growing organic onion (non-chemical) resulted in reduced yields/production of onion crop in Karnal, Haryana.

Demonstration of IPM in bell pepper carried out on an area of 54 ha in Karnal, Haryana. Implementation of IPM resulted in increased yield 362 q/ha in IPM as compared to from 113.1 q/ha in FP. Cost-Benefit Ratio (CBR) was exceptionally high 1:4.63 in IPM than 1:2.12 in FP.

IPM modules comprising need based application of bio pesticides and reduced risk pesticides; scouting and monitoring of the pests; adoption of better cultural practices and mechanical methods of pest management was validaed at Panjkosi village, Fazilika, Punjab and Citrus Research Station, Tinsukia, Assam.

Implementation of IPM resulted in increased fruit yield 272 q/ha in Fazilka, Punjab and 131.8 kg/tree in Tinsukia, Assam.
Focus was on management of Phytophthora, Greening disease and sucking pests.

The project was implemented during 2022-23 & 2023-24 in seven villages of Karnal district (Haryana) viz; Samora, Padhana, Rambha, Ganger, Shamgarh, Takana and Sandheer growing cucurbitaceous crops viz; cucumber, muskmelon, bitter gourd, sponge gourd & bottle gourd covering an area of 1000 acre.

An average of 2-3 unwarranted pesticide sprays were reduced from each cucurbit crops of managed fields (IPM) compared to unmanaged fields (non-IPM). Besides, registering highest total yield and returns.

IPM module against insect-pests and diseases of cole crop (rainy season cauliflower) was developed and validated in 10 acres area at Uncha Majra Village, Gurugram (Haryana).

Significant reduction (more than 70%) of the pests i.e. damping off, Rhizoctonia root rot, black rot, Alternaria blight and Tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura was recorded in IPM plots over the untreated control. The natural enemies population was significantly higher in IPM over the farmer’s practice.

Significantly higher yield q/ha was recorded in IPM (222) over the farmer’s practice (188.5) and untreated control (119.4).

Cost:Benefit ratio was highest (4.7) in IPM over the farmer’s practices (3.4) and control (2.4).

72% reduction in pesticide usage was recorded in IPM over the farmer’s practices.

No pesticide residue was recorded in cauliflower produce under IPM and control while residue of pesticides i.e. Azoxystrobin, Difenoconazole, Fipronil, Thiamethoxam, Fenvalerate was recorded under farmers practice.

No pesticide residue was recorded in cauliflower produce under IPM and control while residue of pesticides i.e. Azoxystrobin, Difenoconazole, Fipronil, Thiamethoxam, Fenvalerate was recorded under farmers practice.

Multi-location promotion of IPM technology for protected cultivation system through a network approach. Research activities are going on at two locations i.e. capsicum at village – Manoli District – Sonepat (Haryana) and cucumber at village – Baseri, District – Jaipur (Rajasthan).

IPM technology reduces seedling mortality of cucumber and bell pepper (Capsicum) up to 1.3 and 6.3% compared to 8.3 and 21.6% respectively under farmer’s practices (FP).

IPM technology reduces the population of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita up to 91.1% in cucumber compared to FP where an increase of up to 49.4% was recorded. In the case of Capsicum, the population of the root-knot nematode was kept under economic thresh hold level i.e. 1J2/g soil.

Significant reduction in insect pest (white fly, thrips, aphids, mites and cutworm) population was also recorded under IPM compared to FP. An 80 and 48.6% reduction in chemical pesticide spray was recorded under IPM in cucumber and capsicum respectively as compared to FP. Likewise disease intensity caused by damping off, wilt fungus, mildews, fruit rot and leaf curl mosaic virus was recorded greater in FP compared to IPM.

As per yield and benefit –cost ratio is concerned, an increase of 38 and 43% was recorded in cucumber and capsicum respectively over FP. The cost - benefit ratio under IPM was recorded up to 3.74 and 4.50 respectively in cucumber and capsicum as compared to FP where up to 1.96 and 2.7 respectively in cucumber and capsicum.

Developed an easy Flame Syringe Method for on-farm mass multiplication of bio-agents.

Demonstrations for mass production of bio-agents were delivered in 21 villages of different states namely Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh (Bundelkhand).

A unique formulation of Biogel has been developed in the form of a very dense Gel of microbial bio-agents.

Gel consists of preservatives, decontaminants and nutrients.

The whole content of gel is enriched by specific nutrients, so microbes may have longer shelf life i.e. around 20 months.

Developed complete procedure and protocols for following microbial Biogels.

IPM gadgets for insect pest management viz. 'Light trap for managing insects' was further refined and standardized.

The improved insect light trap was demonstrated in Paddy, sugarcane, mango, Ber, Tomato, Chickpea, sorghum crops in farmers’ participatory mode in different locations.

Five patents (three national and two International) for IPM gadgets have been granted to ICAR-NRIIPM.

A specific and selective culture medium was developed for T. harzianum.

Grain (flour) based culture medium was developed for mass multiplication of different bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Azotobacter sp., Rhizobium sp. and Azospirillum sp.

Liquid formulation in form of small ampules of Trichoderma sp. and different bacteria have been developed to provide as mother culture for mass production.

Biogels of different microbes were developed, with high density of CFU (2.0 x 10^12).

Shelf life of T. harzianum in ampules was recorded up to 11 months, which was 2 x 10^9.

Twenty four FFSs were organized to demonstrate the procedure of “On farm mass-production of microbial bio-agents” and thus 46 farmers were able to mass produce bio-agents using our technology. Around 1300 ampules have been distributed among farmers and NGO workers.