Arooj Zulfiqar

Biological control offers a sustainable, innovative solution to combat crop pests in Pakistan, enhancing agricultural productivity and reducing reliance on the harmful chemicals, reports WealthPK.

“The farmers in Pakistan face numerous challenges due to crop-damaging pests, which can significantly reduce the yields and lower their incomes," said Muhammad Bilal Ashraf Khan, Scientific Officer at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC). He said, “Crop losses due to pest infestations cost the country billions annually, threatening food security and livelihoods. Traditional pest management practices, heavily reliant on synthetic chemicals, pose significant challenges. Besides environmental contamination, these pesticides can lead to pesticide resistance in pests, making them even more difficult to control.” He said that the adoption of biological control methods in Pakistan had been steadily increasing, with the farmers across the country using it successfully for crops like cotton, rice, and sugarcane.

The NARC scientist said, “The effectiveness and sustainability of biological control make it a superior alternative to conventional chemical pesticides. It offers numerous advantages, including lower costs, reduced environmental footprint, and enhanced health and safety for both the farmers and consumers.” Biological control involves the introduction or enhancement of natural enemies of pests, such as predatory insects, parasitic wasps, or microorganisms that attack pest populations. These agents can help keep the pest numbers in check by preying on pests, laying eggs in their hosts, or infecting them with diseases. However, Pakistan faces challenges in expanding the use of biological control. “Lack of awareness and education among the farmers remains a significant hurdle, as many are unfamiliar with how to implement these methods effectively. Additionally, availability of biological control agents in certain areas of the country is limited.”

To overcome these barriers, he emphasized the need for increased investment in education and outreach initiatives, which could help raise awareness and train the farmers on biological control techniques. Government support for research and development is also crucial to discovering and producing new biological control agents that can address a broader range of pests and be more easily accessible to the farmers nationwide. By focusing on these efforts, Pakistan can further advance its use of biological control, offering the farmers a sustainable and effective solution to crop pests that promotes both agricultural productivity and environmental health.

Credit: INP-WealthPk