Car Nicobar, July 30: The presence of Mealy Bug and Rugose Spiralling Whitefly in Coconut, Fruits, and Vegetables has been observed to be proliferating in certain areas within various villages of Car Nicobar. In response, awareness campaigns are being organized across all villages of Car Nicobar, targeting the farming community with a particular focus on identifying symptoms, understanding infestation, and implementing management practices against Mealy Bug and Rugose Spiralling Whitefly in Fruits, Vegetables, and Coconut plantations.
As part of a collaborative initiative, the District Administration, Tribal Council, Agriculture Department, CIPMC, and KVK-CIARI have developed both short-term and long-term strategies to address the issue through environmentally friendly methods and biological control measures.
Farmers are being encouraged to implement cultural practices such as forced water spraying, appropriate spacing, regular inspections, pruning, and maintaining proper sanitation to prevent the accumulation of pests and diseases, while also promoting the use of Organic Pesticides to mitigate further pest and disease spread. In the affected areas, specifically Perka and Malacca village, the team consisting of KVK and departmental officials has undertaken the spraying of Neem-based pesticides.
The village headmen in Car Nicobar have been informed regarding the pest and disease infestation and are urged to remain vigilant and report any findings to the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Car Nicobar and Agriculture Department.