Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
production costs; savings in water, fuel and labor requirements; and timely
establishment of crops, resulting in improved yields.
8.3.10.6 IMPROVED PEST MANAGEMENT
Changes in temperature and variability in rainfall would affect inci-
dence of pests and disease and virulence of major crops. It is because
climate change will potentially affect the pest/weed-host relation-
ship by affecting the pest/weed population, the host population and
the pest/weed-host interactions. Some of the potential adaptation
strategies could be: (i) developing cultivars resistance to pests and
diseases; (ii) adoption of integrated pest management with more em-
phasis on biological control and changes in cultural practices; (iii)
I n s e c t pest forecasting using recent tools such as simulation model-
ing; and (iv) developing alternative production techniques and crops,
as well as locations, that are resistant to infestations and other
risks. Management of pests and diseases with use of resistant varieties
and breeds; alternative natural pesticides; bacterial and viral pesticides;
pheromones for disrupting pest reproduction, etc. could be adopted
for sustainability of agricultural production process. Bio- agents have a
crucial role in pest management, hence practices to promote natural
enemies like release of predators and parasites; improving the habitat
for natural enemies; facilitating beetle banks and flowering strips; crop
rotation and multiple cropping should be integrated in pest manage-
ment practices. Reduction in use of pesticides will also help in reduc-
ing carbon emissions.
8.3.10.7 BETTER WEATHER FORECASTING AND CROP
INSURANCE SCHEMES
Weather forecasting and early warning systems will be very useful in min-
imizing risks of climatic adversaries. Information and communication
technologies (ICT) could greatly help the researchers and administrators
in developing contingency plans. Effective crop insurance schemes should
be evolved to help the farmers in reducing the risk of crop failure due to
these events. Both formal and informal, as well as private and public,
