1 PAKISTAN AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ACTIVITY (PATTA) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – Understanding and Demonstrating IPM Prepared for review by the United States Agency for International Development under USAID Contract No. AID- 391-C-17-00004, Pakistan Agricultural Technology Transfer Activity (PATTA) in Pakistan implemented by CNFA.
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PAKISTAN AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ACTIVITY
(PATTA)
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – Understanding and Demonstrating IPM
Prepared for review by the United States Agency for International Development under USAID Contract No. AID-391-C-17-00004, Pakistan Agricultural Technology Transfer Activity (PATTA) in Pakistan implemented by CNFA.
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DATA PAGE
Contract Number: AID-391-C-17-00004
Contractor Name: CNFA
Name of the Component: Pakistan Agricultural Technology Transfer Activity (PATTA)
USAID Technical Office: Office of the Economic Growth and Agriculture; USAID Pakistan
Date of Report: 16 Aug 2018
Document Title: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – Understanding and demonstrating IPM
Author’s Name: Jim Conley
Acknowledgements: The assistance and support I received from Shamsher H. Khan, Dr. Waqar Ahmad, Dr. Ahsan Riaz, Rana Wajid & Fakhar Zaman was essential for success of this assignment. PATTA Ag. Tech. team’s suggestions and guidance has been the single most helpful factor. In addition, the CNFA staff in both Lahore and Islamabad have been eager to assist during every step. I appreciate your support and friendships.
DISCLAIMER The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United States Government, or CNFA.
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Table of Contents
DATA PAGE 1 I. ACRONYMS 4 II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5 III. OVERVIEW OF PATTA PROJECT ACTIVITIES 5 CHAPTER 1: ASSIGNMENT CONCEPT NOTE 6 CHAPTER 2: CONSULTATIVE MEETING SESSIONS WITH STAKEHOLDERS 9 CHAPTER 3: INITIAL ASSESMENT OF IPM IN PAKISTAN AND MODULE DEVELOPMENT 15 CHAPTER 4: STAKEHOLDERS TRAINING WORKSHOP & FIELD DEMONSTRATIONS 25 CONCLUSION 33 ANNEX 1. SCOPE OF WORK 33 ANNEX 2. PRESENTATIONS 38 ANNEX 3. TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION OF IPM TOOLKIT 40 ANNEX 4. MANAGING PESTICIDE RESISTANCE 42 ANNEX 5. INITIAL ASSESSMENT OF INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN PAKISTAN 45
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I. ACRONYMS
PATTA Pakistan Agricultural Technology Transfer Activity CNFA Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture NARC National Agricultural Research Center IPM Integrated Pest Management HV/OSV High value/off-season vegetables ISTTA International short-term technical assistance PATTA Pakistan Agricultural Technology Transfer Activity USAID United States Agency for International Development
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II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The horticulture sector contributes to about 12% of Pakistan’s GDP and provides employment and incomes to several actors along related value chains. An estimated 13.67% of Million Metric Tons (MMT) of horticultural products are grown annually, with post-harvest losses averaging about 25%. Only 4% of annual horticultural production is exported, garnering less than 50% of average world prices due to both inferior quality of produce and sales in low-value markets. To meet domestic and export demand for horticultural products (inclusive of fruits and vegetables), major inputs such as chemical controls play a crucial role in ensuring crop productivity and quality. Barring environmental issues and residual effects hazardous to human health, the cost-benefit ratio for the use of chemicals would ultimately dictate that farmers use them. Pakistan imports generic as well as branded chemicals - mostly in form of concentrates - worth billions of rupees every year. Excessive use of chemicals increases the immunity of pests to future treatments, introduces elements toxic to ecosystems, and creates hazards to users (farmer or laborers) and anyone (human or animal) who consumes or comes into contact with these contaminants. In the US, herbicides constitute 85% of total use of chemical controls, whereas in Pakistan pesticide use – specifically insecticide - ranks at 85% of total use of chemical controls. Around 60-65% of insecticide in Pakistan is used only for cotton, followed by 7% for paddy, 4% used for cereals and 2% used for sugar cane. Meanwhile, herbicide usage in Pakistan only amounts to approximately 10% of total use of chemical controls.
As part of PATTA’s integrated strategy, awareness of best practices in IPM technologies and applications will help reduce the cost of production, improve the quality of products and support the area’s natural biosphere. PATTA HIRED IPM specialist to conduct a situational analysis of the horticulture sector and deliver capacity building sessions. The analysis focuses on current IPM techniques and safe practices in collaboration with supply-side companies (SSPs) and farm service centers. This will complement USAID environmental compliance regulations and the PATTA Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safe Use Action Plan (PERSUAP).
III. OVERVIEW OF PATTA PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Pakistan Agricultural Technology Transfer Activity (PATTA) is a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded project designed to increase smallholder farmers’ access to markets, alongside their overall development impact and cost-effectiveness. Smallholders farmers in Pakistan use outdated and less effective technologies, leading to stagnant or dwindling productivity and returns, particularly in the horticulture and livestock sub-sectors. Because improved technologies that are affordable, impactful, and safe have not yet penetrated the vast smallholder market. PATTA will combat these challenges by galvanizing ongoing private-sector investment to commercialize the types of agricultural technologies that enable smallholders to increase their incomes, improve farm productivity, create jobs, and enhance economic growth and stability. These technologies include seeds, fertilizers, water pumps, improved plant and animal breeds, precision agriculture, and integrated soil fertility management, amongst others.
PATTA will bring to scale private sector solutions to improve agricultural productivity in Pakistan through a four-year activity. PATTA will partner with agricultural technology companies to commercialize products and services with the potential to increase the productivity and competitiveness of smallholder farmers while mobilizing private sector investment in agricultural technology. PATTA’s partnership will provide smallholder farmers with boarder access to affordable technologies to increase productivity, build resilience to climate change and reduce postharvest losses. In so doing, PATTA expects to achieve the following results:
• Increase smallholder farmer access to affordable, appropriate and effective agricultural technologies;
• Enable agricultural technology-related businesses to expand and adapt their products and services to meet smallholders needs;
• Scale up the adoption and use of agricultural technologies.
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Chapter 1: Assignment Concept Note
A. OVERVIEW As part of PATTA’s integrated strategy, awareness of best practices in IPM technologies and applications will help reduce the cost of production, improve the quality of products and support the area’s natural biosphere. PATTA is seeking a Horticulture/Entomologist/Plant Protection Specialist (specialization in IPM) to conduct a situational analysis of the horticulture sector. The analysis should focus on current IPM techniques and safe practices in collaboration with supply-side companies (SSPs) and farm service centers. This will complement USAID environmental compliance regulations and the PATTA Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safe Use Action Plan (PERSUAP). B. OBJECTIVES OF ACTIVITY
i. Identify new products, technologies and innovations from other countries, local research institutions, local regional agricultural bureaus, and demand or supply side partners. Introduce these technologies for local manufacture, distribution and/or sale, as appropriate, through presentations, demonstrations or other methods.
ii. Identify farm demonstration delivery methodologies to introduce new technologies and innovations to smallholders;
iii. Develop effective and interactive farm demonstrations which can be implemented by demand side partners. Meet with key partners to discuss and plan;
iv. Develop illustrative training materials & tools to guide Supply Side Partners in formulating IPM approaches, including but not limited to biological controls for pest and disease management for their clients (dealers and farmers);
v. Explore opportunities to benefit from Center of Agriculture & Biosciences International (CABI) Rawalpindi, Ayyub Agriculture Research Institute (AARI) Faisalabad and National Agriculture Research Institute Center (NARC) &/ Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) in promoting/training IPM; with goal of determining their capacity and interest in developing, implementing and evaluating IPM demonstrations under PATTA sponsorship.
vi. Increase smallholder’s acceptance and adoption rate of new agricultural technologies and innovations using farm demonstrations methodologies;
vii. Assist with development of PATTA’s second year work plan; viii. Build the capacity of Demand and/or Supply Side Partners and private extension agent Partners on
IPM theory and practical application. Design simple tools to guide the development of pest and disease management plans/programs of Supply Side Partners, relevant to the context of smallholder farmers.
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C. ACTIVITY OUTLINE
Date LOE
Day Activity/Visit Focal Person Location Lead
01/07/2018 Sun Air travel to Islamabad, Pakistan Security Security
02/07/2018 1
Mon
Orientation at PATTA head office + Meeting with PARC IPM team for snapshot of current IPM practices, challenges and situation at field level
Jim
PATTA head office, ISD and PARC Islamabad
Shamsher H. Khan, Dr. Waqar/Security
03/07/2018 2 Tue Office work + work Plan + Meeting with CABI (02:30 pm)
Jim Islamabad Dr. Waqar
Wednesday, July 04, 2018 - Travel to Lahore (09:00 am)
04/07/2018 3 Wed Meeting with Star Farm Pvt. Ltd. Jim Lahore Dr. Waqar
/Wajid/Fakhar
05/07/2018 4 Thu Meeting with Ali Akbar Meeting with SSP Haji Sons
Jim
Lahore
Wajid/Fakhar Zaman
Friday, July 06 Travel to Faisalabad (Morning at 07:00 am)
06/07/2018 5 Fri
Meeting with IPM Professor of Agriculture University + Ayub Agriculture Research Institute for potential IPM measures and strategies
Jim Faisalabad Security/Fakhar Zaman
07/07/2018 6 Sat
MA Farm visit for IPM under controlled structure & for vertical horticulture + Travel to Lahore
Jim
Faisalabad
Security/Fakhar Zaman
Sunday, July 08, 2018 – Rest Day
09/07/2018 7 Mon
Meeting with DG/Director Ag. Extension, Punjab (09:30 am) Initial assessment report of current IPM practices and IPM
Jim Lahore Dr. Waqar /Wajid/Fakhar
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available literature/material
10/07/2018 8 Tue
Meeting with IPM ISTTA AMD + Training material / curriculum development
Jim Lahore IPM ISTTA AMD and STTA PATTA
11/07/2018 9 Wed
Training material / curriculum development and discussion with crop development unit for useful inputs
Jim Lahore Fakhar Zaman
12/07/2018 10 Thu
Development of Protocols for “effective demonstrations for technology adoption in consultation with Crop Development unit
Jim Lahore Fakhar Zaman
13/07/2018 11 Fri
Development of Protocols for “effective demonstrations for technology adoption in consultation with Crop Development unit
Jim Lahore Fakhar Zaman
14/07/2018 2 Sat Interim report Jim Lahore
Sunday, July 15, 2018 – Rest Day
16/07/2018 13 Mon
Training- IPM + Protocols for “effective demonstrations for technology adoption (Target participants (20 to 25)- SSPs e.g., extension workers of AAG/Haji Sons etc.
Jim Lahore TDC team/Fakhar Zaman
Monday, July 16, 2018 - Travel to Faisalabad in evening
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CHAPTER 2: CONSULTATIVE MEETING SESSIONS WITH STAKEHOLDERS
A. PURPOSE OF MEETINGS As part of PATTA’s integrated strategy, awareness of best practices in IPM technologies and applications will help reduce the cost of production, improve the quality of products and support the area’s natural biosphere. PATTA arranged several meetings to develop awareness sessions for stakeholder
B. OBJECTIVE OF MEETINGS Several meetings were conducted with private supply side partners, business service providers, government body and academia for snapshot of IPM situational analysis in Pakistan and need assessment. IPM international expert and Ag. Technology team of project travelled to Lahore and Faisalabad and conducted meetings.
C. MEETING WITH STAR FARMS PAKISTAN PVT. LTD.
Venue Metro Cash & Carry, Thokar Niaz Baig, Lahore
17/07/2018 14 Tue
Training - IPM + Protocols for “effective demonstrations for technology adoption (Target participants (20 to 25) - Extension workers Ag. Department + University faculty staff
Jim Faisalabad TDC team/Fakhar Zaman
Tuesday, July 17, 2018 - Travel to Islamabad in evening
18/07/2018 15 Wed
Notes compilation + Update/edit presentation content
Jim Islamabad Fakhar Zaman
19/07/2018 16 Thu
Training - IPM + Protocols for “effective demonstrations for technology adoption (Target participants (20 to 25) - FSCs Extension workers – KP + GB Extension workers
Jim Islamabad TDC team/Fakhar Zaman
20/07/2018 17 Fri De-briefing Jim Islamabad
21/07/2018 18 Sat Report writing +
Departure Jim Islamabad
Sunday, July 22, 2018 26/07/2
018 Report Sharing Jim Home station
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Date 04 July 2018 Participants Star Farm Pakistan Pvt. Ltd.
Zeeshan Saqib – COO Star Farm Ziaullah – IPM Technical person PATTA Jim Conley – IPM International expert Fakhar Zaman – STTA crop technology
A meeting was held with officials of Star farm to discuss the recent trends in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and opportunities to introduce new technologies. Star Farm (Metro Group owned Company) is a consultancy firm providing consultancy for Agriculture for on-site training, capacity building and implementation of the respective food standards. They are dealing in productivity enhancement, traceability of food supply chain and market linkages to the global market.
Mr. Zeeshan from Star farms told that farmers expect quick reaction from the inputs they are applying in field. Integrated pest management practices are time taking but they give results if applied consistently. IPM practices should be replicated at commercial level for impact at larger level. Star farm has set three months course for the farmers. Responding to a query regarding the acceptance of guide from experts, they told that it depends on the size of farmer. Progressive farmers do consider their advice, but small farmers will look for the price as they are not aware about the knowledge of the subject. They insisted that there should be change in policy and legislation for implementing IPM measures into the field in long run. They told that there is great demand for organic food, but it is not available commercially. By working on small scale farmers, we can improve many practices including integrated pest management. Star farm also conduct training for pest management trainings for the high value off season vegetables farmers. They told that most of the pest pesticide is used in cotton and there are very less chemicals that are being used solely with recommendations for the fruits and vegetable. D. MEETING WITH ALI AKBAR GROUP
Venue Head Office, Bhuptian chok, Lahore Date 05 July 2018
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Participants Ali Akbar Group Abdul Nasir – Marketing Manager PATTA Jim Conley – IPM International expert Fakhar Zaman – STTA crop technology
Ali Akbar was established in 1993. Initially, the core business of the company was manufacturing and marketing of agrochemicals. Ali Akbar Group is a leading crop protection company in Pakistan and comprises of a diversified group. Ali Akbar group is one of the main player for manufacturing the active ingredients in Pakistan. Since 2004, they are working for the benefit of small farmers through a franchise network of 850 and 200 agricultural graduates with 1100 field staff. Mr. Nasir recommended that IPM training should be designed to lessen the cost of farmers which have bad impact on beneficial insects. Whitefly, thrips, jassids, Pink Bollworm are major pest of concern. Mango and citrus industry is also affected with infestation of certain pest. Whitefly management is being run in KP province. They are planning to introduce biopesticides till 2020.They told that we have BT in 1960 but nowadays there is no concept of BT in Pakistan. There are challenges in sales and marketing as the technical knowhow is important for the sales staff. They do believe in demonstrations. They have 100 model villages as an example action. They have graduate teams which perform pest scouting but generally farmers don't have awareness for pest scouting. 55% pesticides spray is on cotton and 10% is on fruits and vegetable. Integrated pest management techniques are need of the time. As an example, he quoted that 50% to 70% of Punjab area cotton area is reduced due to attack of white fly and it was replaced by maize. He added that sesame is being used as a trap crop in cotton.
E. MEETING WITH HAJI SONS
Venue PATTA office, Lahore Date 05 July 2018 Participants Ali Akbar Group
Musadiq Khan – Research & Development Manager PATTA Jim Conley – IPM International expert Muhammad Wajid – Crop Technology Officer Fakhar Zaman – STTA crop technology
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The representative from the Haji sons told that most of the IPM is only restricted chemical sprays. There is great issue of awareness for farmers regarding the pest scouting and the economic threshold level. He told that identification of the problem should be priority as most of the diseases and insect spread in field due to no awareness of farmer. Fruit fly and white fly are big threat to our fields. He suggested that training should be imparted to identify the problems and their solution. Haji sons have introduced hermetic Technology to save the seeds and grains from pest during storage as part of IPM program.
F. MEETING WITH UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE FAISALABAD VENUE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, FAISALABAD DATE 06 July 2018 PARTICIPANTS University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Dr. Jalal Arif – Chairman, Entomology Department Dr. Dildar Gogi – Associate Professor, Entomology PATTA Jim Conley – IPM International expert Fakhar Zaman – STTA crop technology
Researchers and professors from University of Agriculture Faisalabad told that focus should be on small farmers to mark change in our agriculture sector. There were many beneficial insects in our field like spider, but they are not found anymore. There is limited use of baits in fruits and vegetable. Only methyl eugenol is being used for trapping the fruit fly. There is a lot of dependence on chemical spray. Worldwide 90% of biopesticide is based on BT. Pesticide companies are also realizing the demand and they are shifting slowly and introducing biopesticides. Many labs were visited in Entomology department to visit the beneficial insect rearing techniques.
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G. MEETING WITH AYUB AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, FAISALABAD Venue Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad Date 06 July 2018 Participants Ayub Agricultural Research Institute
Dr. Ghulam Mehboob Subhani – Director Agriculture Dr. Faisal - Entomologist PATTA Jim Conley – IPM International expert Fakhar Zaman – STTA crop technology
Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) is the main engine of growth in important crops witnessed over the years. A premier and one of the prestigious research organizations of the country. Entomology research institute was visited for discussing IPM subject in general. Scientist from AARI argued that biopesticides are not available in Pakistan. Some of the most devastating pest in fields are fruit borer, American Bollworm, cucurbit bit fruit fly, okra fruit fly, citrus psylla and citrus canker. There are very rare beneficial insects left due to excessive use of chemical sprays, for example tamarixia radiata used to kill the citrus psyla but it is not found commonly in fields now. There is a lot of work being done regarding beneficial insects at Agricultural Research Institute.
H. MEETING WITH DIRECTOR GENERAL EXTENSION & ADAPTIVE RESEARCH Venue Agriculture House, Davis road, Lahore Date 07 July 2018 Participants Director General Extension Office
M. Zafar Yab Haider – DG Extension PATTA Jim Conley – IPM International expert Fakhar Zaman – STTA crop technology
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Government extension department is working for developing awareness of the farmers regarding crop protection and all associated aspects. DG extension in discussions told that Integrated pest management is done by extension workers. Economic threshold level is defined and available at the pest warning website. There are almost 11 labs for rearing of beneficial insects in Punjab. Till now people don't have awareness regarding safe use of pesticides. There are many steps that are being carried for the IPM and increasing production at certain levels. There is a fruits and vegetable development project into which there were 1300 farmer schools through which farmers get benefit at grass root level. Extension department is demonstrating practices in field for fruit fly management. 1-meter square area is sprayed with protein hydrolysate for female fruit fly for the farmers. They are demonstrating to monitor the field practically. Extension department have 450 extension workers in whole Punjab. There is one extension worker for 40 to 50 villages. 15 extension workers are designated for horticulture. Field have been divided depending upon the crops for better management. I. MEETING WITH FARM DYNAMICS PAKISTAN
Venue PATTA Office, Lahore Date 10 July 2018 Participants Farm Dynamics Pakistan
Husnain Atta – Manager Business Development PATTA Jim Conley – IPM International expert Fakhar Zaman – STTA crop technology
Mr. Husnain argued that if we told farmers that this is the specific issue with their field then the next question is to what to do, so solution is needing to be offered to them and the way it is to be delivered. Technology can provide important role in managing the pest. Technology can play crucial role in managing insect/pest by providing earlier alerts so that they can be managed prior to damage in most safe and desired way.
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CHAPTER 3: INITIAL ASSESMENT OF IPM IN PAKISTAN AND MODULE DEVELOPMENT
A. OVERVIEW & PURPOSE
PATTA is focusing on two agricultural sectors (1) Livestock, and (2) Horticulture. This consultant’s assignment is related to technology transfer of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods and technologies in the horticulture sector. The initial assessment through meetings serve as the basis for understanding the status of IPM in the Pakistani horticulture and livestock sector.
B. PROCESS & METHODS
PATTA staff arranged a series of introductory fact-finding meetings between the consultant and several players in Pakistani agriculture (horticulture and livestock) sector. Meetings were held with private sector players (supply side partners or potential PATTA partners), national and international research institutes, and national teaching and extension institutes. Findings are based on information gathered during these meetings.
C. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Because of fruitful meeting with stakeholders with variety of background, following findings are developed; • Understanding and promotion of IPM is limited. • Government Extension department is under-funded and receives little training. • The traditional agricultural chemical business sector is firmly entrenched, and it can be expected
that this sector views other aspects of IPM as a threat. • Farmers are reluctant to adopt new technologies, especially those requiring a higher level of
knowledge & management skills. • Availability of IPM technologies and products is limited. • At least two of our PATTA partners believe there is a demand for safer food, i.e. “organic” or
“reduced pesticide”, but this market has not been tested. Government policy does not offer any significant support to IPM and policy matters!
D. Discussion & Implications
IPM faces several challenges in public and private sector. E. Public-sector Challenges
Government Extension department does not have sufficient staff or receive sufficient training. In Punjab Province, for instance, Extension Agents attempt to cover an average of 40-50 villages/agent. Of the 450 government Extension workers in Punjab, only 15 are dedicated to horticultural crops.
The regulatory process is outdated. For example, pheromones are treated the same as synthetic chemical pesticides from some regulatory requirements view. Registration of a new pheromone will require a minimum of 2 years.
There are few incentives for using IPM, the exception being sugarcane, mango and citrus grown for export and being subjected to pesticide residue analysis. These crops must meet established Maximum Residue Limits to be accepted for export. This incentive drives IPM in those crops.
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Research suffers from institutional “stovepipes”. Most research is basic vs. applied. Researchers have no outreach responsibilities and have no incentive to be responsive to Extension or growers’ needs.
The institutions with technical expertise in IPM have few connections to the farm level. For instance, CABI (Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International), Pakistan has several initiatives underway, but with over 8 million farms in the country, their impact is limited. Similarly, the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad has limited outreach activities.
F. Private-sector Challenges
Farmers are not educated regarding IPM practices. IPM is knowledge-intensive and can be challenging to comprehend. Farmers lack basic pest identification knowledge and rely on chemical industry salesmen (private-sector Extension) for recommendations.
Farmers see no incentives to IPM adoption. Inputs cost are high and monitoring needs technical knowledge and time which is not in access to farmers.
Private Extension workers are not trained in IPM, their focus is sales.
One goal of IPM is to reduce pesticide use, which is can be a threat to pesticide suppliers. IPM technology is often low-cost or has no cost at all. IPM supplies may not require recurring purchases, reducing the opportunity for commercial profits.
The availability of IPM products and technologies is limited. For example, commercial formulations of sprayable Bacillus thuringiensis, the most widely utilized biopesticide in the world, are not available in Pakistan. However, two beneficial insects are available (Trichrograma and chrysoperla) from state-funded insectaries and given freely to farmers who ask.
G. RECOMMENDATIONS & ACTION ITEMS
Build Capacity for IPM
1. Targeted trainings & demonstrations
a. Develop a capacity building program for IPM, partnering research institutes with our partners and select growers. For instance, have CABI and AARI, & Star Farms establish an IPM demonstration and training project under PATTA support. Train partners, extension and farmers. Design this as very “hands-on” activities. Use these demonstrations to build institutional and farmer capacity for IPM.
2. Promote IPM incentives (retail market, grower associations, govt.)
a. Develop informational material on benefits of IPM b. Assist partners in ‘organic’ or ‘reduced pesticide’ test market efforts. Consider MRL testing as one marketing component.
3. Develop social media platform, featuring IPM demonstrations, technology, meetings, tours, pests’ biology, scouting news, photos of farmers, consumers buying produce, clean environment, etc.
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4. Develop IPM recommendations for key crops, including Economic thresholds, scouting methods, pest identification fact sheets and suggested IPM strategies. 5. Support, as possible, public policies that support IPM. 6. Promote IPM business opportunities, scouting, consulting, testing, training, selling.
Increase Availability of IPM Technology 1. Work with supply-side companies to insure availability of appropriate technology tools for IPM
implementation. Care must be taken to insure biopesticides meet industry standards for potency because biocontrol agents do not have an unlimited ‘shelf life’ and may require special handling.
2. Biopesticides: Sprayable Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauvaria bassiana, viruses, neem & insecticidal soaps must be in supply chain and available. Insure availability of pheromone traps for Tuta absoluta.
3. Beneficial arthropods: Determine source and availability of parasites and predators available for IPM through supply side partners, importation, or promote business opportunity for local production.
4. Low tunnel, high tunnel, plastic mulch, row covers, drip irrigation, screen/net cloth for protected cultivation, etc. should be available and encouraged as part of IPM. The South African tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta, will arrive in Pakistan within the next 12 months. Screenhouse cultivation of tomato will become a viable IPM tool.
H. TECHNOLOGY BASED PROPOSED DEMONSTRATIONS
Demonstrations are proven tools for changing behavior through education. Technology transfer can be improved and increased through effective demonstrations.
Purpose: Demonstrate new technologies to farmers.
Demonstration cooperator: Choose a leading farmer, one who is known and respected by his peers. Choose a farmer who is usually interested in new technology and has the interest to be a cooperator in the demonstration. Demonstrations require extra effort on the part of the farmer.
Demonstration location: Effective demonstrations are conducted on farmers own fields, orchards, herds, etc. It has been said that “seeing is believing” and we use this concept to convince farmers of the value and benefit of new technologies. Demonstrations should be placed in easily accessible and visible locations, so you can hold Farmer Field Schools or field tours in order to transfer the technology.
Demonstration treatments: Demonstrations should be simple. We want to demonstrate a new technology (practice, equipment, method) by comparing it to the farmer’s normal practice. Adding additional treatments can be useful, but we have to be careful to not add extra burden to the farmer or confusing farmers with too many variables.
Following are some simple examples of demonstrations that focus on the benefit of using Integrated Pest Management in the horticulture and livestock sectors, which are areas in which PATTA is working. Please
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follow appropriate guidelines for using any pesticide and insure all use is legal and following label directions. Instruct farmers on safe handling of all pesticides.
Demonstration example #1. Forced-Use Dust Bags for Ectoparasite Control in Small Ruminants
Demonstration Objective: To demonstrate, and have farmers adopt, the practice of using stationary, forced-use dust bags for control of external parasites in sheep and goats. External parasites, especially lice and mites, cause economic losses to livestock farmers.
Dust bags are simply heavy burlap sacks filled with an approved insecticide dust. When an animal bumps against the bag a small quantity of dust sifts through the bag and is deposited on the animal. Dust bags can be constructed by obtaining some heavy burlap sacks and insecticide dust and making the bags. To construct a dust bag, use two burlap bags, one inside the other, with four grommets affixed equally spaced apart in the open end. For greater strength, place a piece of sized leather between the burlap and grommet halves. So, constructed, this grommet end can be opened for filling. Each bag should be filled to about one-third full of the insecticide dust.
The stationary dusting station will have to be constructed and placed in the path where the animals travel. It is best if the sheep and goats travel this path daily in order to maintain regular exposure to the insecticide. At first, the animals will be reluctant to walk under/through the dust bags, but they will become accustomed to this in a few weeks.
The stationary dust bags and dusting station will require some construction skills and materials, but upon completion will last many years. PATTA grant money can be used to pay for the materials and insecticide dusts.
(Note: Thorough instructions for this, as well as a cattle insecticide back rubbers, can be found at this website:) https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-207.pdf
____________152 cm___________
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This stationary duster is sized for cattle and dimensions must be adjusted for small ruminants.
To adjust for small ruminants the horizontal bar holding the dust bags can be made adjustable to raise and lower the dust bags. The roof provides protection of the dust bags from rain and is critical for protection of the insecticide dust. Bag bottoms should be low enough (about 25 cm above the ground) for an animal to butt its head to lift the bag over the neckline. This will allow the bag to drag along the backline when the animal passes beneath. Once the stationary dust bags are constructed, the demonstration is ready to begin. The small ruminants must be assessed for ectoparasite infestation at the beginning of the demonstration and at the end of the demonstration, as a minimum. It would also be informative to assess ectoparasite infestation regularly through the demonstration. Here is a method of assessing lice infestation in sheep from Australia that is quick yet provides reliable data.
This assessment method is from the Australian Animal Remedies Board. Two 10 cm partings are made in the wool in each of 12 regions on both sides of each animal (throat, chest, shoulders (upper and lower), ribs (upper and lower), flanks (upper and lower), hindquarters (upper and lower), withers, and loin). Lice are recorded as being either present or absent in each pair of partings, and a total score (possible, 24) is compiled for each animal. A possible data collection form might look like this:
Data Collection Form: Record lice score (between 0 and 24) for 10 animals at each evaluation date. Record results in this form. Use one form to record lice score at both locations (Herder with stationary dust bags and herder without stationary dust bags). Date 1 observation would be made before the animals are exposed to the dust bags.
Animal Date 1 Date 2 Date 4 Date 4 Date 5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Remember, collect these data at the start of the demonstration and at weekly or bi-weekly intervals for the duration of the demonstration.
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Hold a Farmer Field School at the end of the demonstration. You can summarize the objective of the demonstration and ask the farmer to speak about his experience and any observations he’s made. Share the data findings with the farmers so everyone is aware of the results. They will also be interested in the costs associated with the stationary dust bags and the insecticide dust that is being used. What are the benefits? Does this method of ectoparasite control provide an economic benefit by improved health and productivity (meat, milk, fiber)?
To practice Integrated Pest Management, be sure that the farmers understand that they must rotate the class of insecticide dust which is used. For instance, in one year they can use carbaryl (a carbamate) insecticide dust. Next year they must rotate to another mode of action, for example, a synthetic pyrethroid dust.
There are several possible variations on this demonstration.
1. Cattle could be treated with a similar dust bag, even using the same duster as used in this demonstration
by adjusting the size of the structure and size of the dust bags. 2. Laying hens in cages could be treated with small dust bags, hung in each cage, and filled with sulfur for
an organic approach to mite control. 3. Cattle and buffaloes could be treated with an insecticide back rubber, made from wire and burlap as
explained in the Extension publication cited earlier (https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-207.pdf)
Demonstration example #2. Integrated Pest Management in Chili Pepper Production
Demonstration objective: To show the value of using field scouting and Economic Thresholds in an Integrated Pest Management Approach by demonstrating IPM tools and conducting an economic comparison.
Select a farmer who is interesting in new technologies and who has a reputation as a good grower in his community. Explain that you want to conduct an Integrated Pest Management demonstration. You will monitor insects and other pests and he will need to follow your recommendations. Using PATTA grant money, you can pay for any additional supplies or equipment for the demonstration.
You will establish an IPM plot, which should consist of a reasonably sized area in his normal field where he will grow peppers this season. You can select a few rows on the edge of the field, but it doesn’t need to be large. An area of, for instance, 15 meters x 15 meters is sufficient. The IPM plot will be compared to the remainder of his field which we will call the “grower standard”, because it should be his standard production method. The IPM plot should have the same tillage, weed control, variety, fertility and other cultural practices applied as compared to the grower standard.
You’ll need tools from the IPM tool kit. We will use the following values for the Economic Thresholds to follow in our decision-making process.
Fruit borer, H. armigera:
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Place a H. armigera pheromone trap 4 to 6 feet above the ground next to the IPM plot when pepper fruits are forming. Pheromone traps should be the wire cone type, also known as the Hartsack type. Sticky traps do not work well. Hercon® pheromone lures have been very effective at attracting earworm moths. Pheromones should be changed every 2 weeks with the unused lures kept frozen until needed. For accurate counts, be sure to remove used lures from the trap area. A blacklight trap can also be used. Blacklight traps use ultraviolet lights to attract flying insect pests at night. European corn borer, corn earworms, and other night flying moth populations can all be determined using this method. However, blacklight traps are more expensive, and they are considered less effective and more difficult to monitor than pheromone traps. Scouts need to count and monitor the number and variety of species that are collected in the traps. Counts in blacklight traps are consistently lower than those in pheromone traps in adjacent fields. Threshold: Catches of 5 to 10 months in a pheromone trap or 3 to 5 months in a blacklight trap, per night for three consecutive nights indicate that moths are probably laying enough eggs to warrant treatment of fields that are in vulnerable stages. Consider the presence or absence of other attractive crops in the area such as pollinating corn when interpreting trap counts for treatment decisions. To add precision to your scouting, check plants for eggs, larvae or damaged fruit. Treatment is recommended if signs of the corn earworm is detected.
Recommended pheromone trap:
Instructions for making this trap can be found at: https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef010. Another pheromone trap that could be used is this one, made from a heavy cloth mesh material. Information can be found at this website: https://www.greatlakesipm.com/instrschelio.pdf
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An alternative trapping method is the use of a blacklight trap. An electrical supply, or sufficient battery capacity, must be nearby. Blacklight traps are not as effective as pheromone traps and are usually more expensive. Pheromone traps are preferred, but a blacklight trap could be used if it’s the only option. Moths are attracted to the blacklight at night, hit the vertical fins and fall into the cone trap. Daily monitoring is important to indicate an increase in moth activity. A single trap, either blacklight or pheromone, can be used to make management decisions on an area of up to 10 acres. Biological Control: Trichogramma wasps will parasitize larvae of H. armigera. Generalist predators such as lacewing larvae, minute pirate bugs, and damsel bugs feed on eggs and small larvae. Conserve existing populations of beneficial insects by treating fields with insecticides only when needed and avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides.
Release Trichogramma and chrysoperla (available free from the government) in the IPM plot as soon as moth activity is detected.
Chemical Control: Unfortunately, there are no registered biopesticides for sale in Pakistan. We will try to preserve and augment the beneficial insect populations if possible but be prepared to spray a chemical insecticide when the Economic Threshold is reached.
Economic Threshold for H. armigera: Catches of 5 to 10 moths in a pheromone trap, or 3 to 5 moths in a blacklight trap, per night for three consecutive nights indicate that moths are probably laying enough eggs to warrant treatment of fields that are in vulnerable stages. Consider the presence or absence of other attractive crops in the area such as pollinating corn when interpreting trap counts for treatment decisions. To add precision to your scouting, check plants for eggs, larvae or damaged fruit. Treatment is recommended if signs of H. armigera are detected.
Apply chemical control only when fruit is present. Thorough coverage is necessary. Rotate insecticide classes to avoid resistance.
Other Pests: Monitor for diseases such as anthracnose, bacterial soft rot, bacterial spot, phytophthora, verticillium wilt, downy mildew, etc. Scout individual plants in both the ‘grower standard’ and the ‘IPM’ plots.
Flea Beetle: For the IPM plot, consider the spun-bond fabric row covers to provide a barrier to seedling pests, such as the flea beetle (particularly if flea beetles or aphids are normal pests in this area). Get the row covers in place at time of transplanting or seeding and seal the edged with soil. This is a very effective barrier if sealed properly.
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Remove early season hosts. Clean up weedy areas next to the field (IPM plot), especially grassy, solanaceous, and cruciferous weeds, or weeds that are drying up or growing poorly. If the spun-bond row cover is not available, chemical control may be necessary. Try to delay chemical control of flea beetle as plants normally outgrow flea beetles when environmental conditions are good. The Economic Threshold is 4 adult beetles per seedling plant. Choose a product with a short residual life in order to minimize destruction of natural enemies of aphids. Unintended injury to beneficial may cause other insect problems to appear later in the season. Spot treating more heavily-infested field edges may be sufficient to control flea beetles. One insecticide treatment should be all that is required.
Aphids: Check transplants twice per week for aphids and weekly later in the season. Reduced plant vigor, stunting, and deformation of plant parts are common symptoms of aphid infestations. In some cases, honeydew or sooty mold will be present. Again, the spun-bond fabric row cover can be a very effective barrier against aphid infestation. But, regular checking is required.
Examine 10 plants and rate the plants as infested or uninfested. Repeat checks at weekly intervals to determine the need to treat. Aphid sampling should always include an evaluation of the presence and activity of natural enemies. Releases of chrysoperla could take the place of an insecticide application. Ladybird beetles are very good predators of aphids. Given the huge reproductive potential of aphids, an infestation level of 5 to 10% would indicate a potentially damaging infestation.
Evaluation: Demonstration Objective: To demonstrate the value of using field scouting and Economic Thresholds in an Integrated Pest Management Approach by demonstrating IPM tools and conducting an economic comparison.
Data must be taken from both the “grower standard” and the “IPM” plots. Pest infestation types and levels, control measures and final yield and grade should be recorded, and a financial evaluation of cost and income must be completed to insure a valid comparison. In the financial evaluation, do not count the cost of reusable items such as pheromone traps or light traps as these should last for years. The cost of the spun-bond row cover could be amortized over 3-5. Cost for the pheromone lure is a valid expense. Again, PATTA project funds should be available for supplies.
Demonstration example #3. Best Management Practices for Integrated Crop Management and Pest Control in Tunnel Vegetable Production
Growers using high tunnel production system experience increased disease losses. A number of management techniques can reduce these losses.
Demonstration Objective: To demonstrate, and have farmers adopt, a combination of improved cultural practices that can reduce disease pressure in high tunnel production system. With high value crops such as what we find in tunnel production, we wouldn’t expect a grower to provide an untreated tunnel for direct comparison, but he may provide a tunnel under his typical management practices as a comparison. He may be currently practicing some of these methods, but perhaps there are some that will be new. You can adjust as necessary, depending on his current practices and level of interest.
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We will use an integrated approach to be managing all pests in this demonstration, as follows:
Physical placement of tunnel: Single-bay high tunnels should be positioned perpendicular to prevailing winds; structures with roll-up sides and multibay high tunnels should be situated parallel to prevailing winds to ensure maximum air flow. Increased air movement reduces humidity and minimizes conditions favorable to disease development. Raising and lowering the sides to vent tunnels allows a grower to manipulate temperature, moisture, and humidity, reducing diseases that thrive under humid conditions.
Mulch and Irrigation: Use drip irrigation under plastic mulch in order to keep as much moisture as possible in the root zone and out of the plant foliage. Monitor irrigation closely as over-watering encourages excess plant growth, reduces air flow and may led to increases diseases.
Maintain optimum conditions for plant growth: Maintenance of optimum crop growth may be achieved by providing appropriate levels of nutrients and consistent soil moisture, allowing vigorous plant growth and minimizing disease development. Excessive fertilizer may lead to rank plant growth, thereby reducing air movement and increasing humidity and moisture retention within the plant canopy. These conditions favor development of plant diseases. Fertilize plants only according to soil test recommendations. Provide adequate ventilation. Tunnels have no powered ventilation systems and rely on opening doors or roll-up sides to provide air flow. Humidity above 90% is particularly favorable to the development of foliar diseases.
Disease resistant varieties: Plant only disease resistant varieties, adapted to local environmental conditions.
Disease-free seed and transplants: Seed can carry bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens, so always start with disease-free seed or transplants purchased from a reputable dealer. Alternately, treat seed prior to planting to reduce the risk of introducing pathogens that can establish and spread through the high tunnel. For instance, a water bath of 50℃ for 20 minutes will effectively remove any surface disease from cucumber seed. Do not use primed, pelleted or old seed.
Crop rotation: The buildup of soil borne pathogens, which can be the hardest problem to avoid in high tunnel systems, can be reduced by the rotation of areas between crop families. Consider dividing the tunnel into a number of distinct areas; identify the crops to be grown and keep plants of the same family together in one area. Members of any given family should not be grown in the same spot for more than one year. For maximum impact, rotations should be maintained for at least three years, which is the time it takes for most soil borne diseases to decline below damaging levels.
Sanitation: Proper sanitation is critical for success in a high tunnel system. At the end of the growing period, all plant material, including the roots, should be removed and diseased plant tissue should be destroyed by composting, burying, or burning. When composting, cull piles should be located as far away from the high tunnel as possible. Surfaces, pruning tools, and knives should be cleaned and disinfected carefully on a regular basis, as well as after cutting or pruning, to reduce the risk of spreading disease. Similarly, workers should practice careful handling techniques such as washing hands at the end of each row and avoiding handling plants when free moisture is present. This minimizes the spread of pathogens, such as bacterial canker and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), from diseased to healthy plants. Workers who smoke should dip their hands into whole milk followed by thorough washing in hot, soapy water to inactivate TMV, which may infect tomatoes. High
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tunnel personnel should avoid moving between high tunnels and field production areas with contaminated clothes or footwear, and clothing should be laundered often and stored in a smoke-free facility. Weed removal: Weeds should be removed from inside the tunnel and the exterior as they may harbor insect pests and pathogens and reduce air movement. Aphids and thrips, for example, are harbored by weeds and act as vectors for viral diseases such as cucumber mosaic virus and tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). Additionally, some weed species may act as hosts to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew.
Environmental management: For optimum disease control in high tunnels, proper management of temperature and humidity must be a priority. High relative humidity (above 90 percent) is particularly favorable to the development of foliar fungal diseases, such as leaf mold of tomato and botrytis gray mold. Providing wider plant spacing by reducing plant populations, encouraging good air flow by providing high tunnel ventilation, and avoiding excessive shading within the planting reduce the risk of disease. Wet soils promote the development of soil borne pathogens so it is necessary to avoid overhead irrigation and provide adequate drainage within the high tunnel, keeping the foliage as dry as possible.
Integrated Pest Management: The above-mentioned practices will provide a good start toward IPM. Close monitoring of diseases and insects is a requirement. Good disease control relies on preventative measures. Insect control relies on good prevention as well as close monitoring. Using net fabric for screens that still allow flow will provide a physical barrier to many insect pests. Maintain the integrity of the net and plastic covers and keep doors closed tightly to prevent pest entry. Some provincial governments in Pakistan have established rearing facilities for two important insect biocontrol organisms, the Trichogramma parasitoid wasp and the predatory green lacewing (Chrysoperla). These can be obtained free of charge at provincial Extension offices and can provide significant control. Timing is important, so it’s important to establish a regular monitoring program. Trap crops have potential in helping to manage insect pests. For instance, if the crop is cucumbers and cucumber beetle and squash bug are threats, provide some potted Blue Hubbard squash plants scattered throughout the greenhouse. For chilly production that is threatened by whitefly, provide some potted brinjal plants and also use yellow sticky traps. Monitor the trap crop plants and if necessary, spray them since the pests will congregate on them. With potted plants, it’s easy to remove them from the tunnel in order to spray them with an insecticide and maintain a pesticide-free environment inside the tunnel. Banker crops offer a similar approach to biocontrol of insect pests. This concept uses alternate plants to provide host insects (that don’t attack the crop plant) in order to support and increase the population of parasites or predators that feed on the crop pest. For instance, if concerned about whiteflies attacking the crop, bring in some potted papaya plants infested with papaya white flies. These whiteflies will not attack the crop but will provide a source for reproducing the beneficial parasitoid, Encarsia sophia.
CHAPTER 4: STAKEHOLDERS TRAINING WORKSHOP & FIELD DEMONSTRATIONS OVERVIEW: USAID funded Pakistan Agricultural Technology Transfer Activity organized Integrated Pest Management (IPM) trainings for identified stakeholders in three different cities as a part of target to introduce technologies for the benefit of farmers. A number of meetings were conducted with private supply
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side partners, business service providers, government body and academia for snapshot if IPM situational analysis in Pakistan and need assessment. IPM international expert Jim Conley and Agricultural Technology team of project travelled in Lahore and Faisalabad and conducted a total of eight meetings and along with arranged three interactive training workshops in Lahore, Faisalabad and Islamabad. Below is the list of activities for the whole tenure of IPM activities.
IPM CASE STUDY: Indonesia is the 4th most populous nation in the world. Basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, health, education and employment have become increasingly difficult to meet. Rice is the staple food, supplying nearly 60% of the caloric intake of the Indonesian diet. The country has suffered chronic rice shortages since the days of Dutch colonialism.
In the early years of independence, the government attempted to increase rice production, but increases could not keep up with population growth. Indigenous varieties were long-season and didn’t respond well to fertilizer. A comprehensive food production program was launched in 1969 to achieve self-sufficiency, increase farm income, provide jobs, alleviate poverty, produce excess for export and support business sector.
A rice intensification program started, including modern varieties, increased use of chemical pesticides & fertilizers, expansion of irrigation, and expanding agricultural extension services.
An unexpected problem emerged as various insect pests and diseases attacked the rice. At that time, the crop and pests were treated separate. The belief was that pests could be easily removed from the crop with frequent use of pesticides. If pest were seen again, more spraying was recommended. Many farmers sprayed fields even if no pests were present, as a preventative approach. The government subsidized pesticides, paying as much as 80% of the costs. These pesticides were broad-spectrum and killed beneficial insects as well as fish, bees, earthworms. Irrigation water was polluted. Human poisonings and pesticide deaths were reported from the rice growing areas.
Pesticide resistance: Brown & Green Planthoppers
The brown planthopper developed resistance to most insecticides in the mid 80’s, catapulting it from status of a minor and occasional pest to the most feared insect pest across much of Asia. The green planthopper also developed resistance, and it transmits a virus, the rice tungo virus. Some causes of the pest problem were identified: • Continuous and staggered production • Excessive nitrogen fertilizer • Reduced genetic diversity of rice varieties • Some modern varieties lacked pest resistance
New varieties were introduced, having host plant resistance to the brown planthopper, which only lasted 5-6 years. Pesticide applications increased, but again, resistance developed.
Heavy reliance on pesticides often creates resistance, resurgence and secondary pest outbreaks.
Introducing IPM as an alternative pest control strategy
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Government was reluctant to consider IPM. Supporters (primarily researchers and academics) of IPM lobbied policymakers to consider IPM. Meetings and debates were held. Finally, IPM was mentioned in government planning. Technical aspects (monitoring, cultural controls, sanitation, resistant varieties and extensive monitoring) were endorsed. However, pesticide subsidies remained in effect. Extension and research bodies did not have funding. Extension did not receive adequate IPM training. Authorities were doubtful that IPM could offer solutions.
In 1986, a massive outbreak of brown planthopper destroyed 75K ha of rice, threatening self-sufficiency which had been achieved a few years earlier. Rice shortages triggered public unrest. The National Agency for Planning and Development was very concerned and sought advice from the Dept. of Ag and universities. Supporters' recommendation was to implement IPM at the grassroots level, training farmers to practice IPM, rather than the theory behind the new approach. This became known as “IPM by Farmers”.
Other recommendations: Reduce pesticide use to a minimum, banning certain pesticides that had led to resistance, educate farmers in their own rice fields.
Meanwhile, the brown planthopper epidemic was getting worse in spite of increased insecticide sprays. The Dept of Ag was still convinced that conventional control (more spray) would solve the problem (they were not on-board with the IPM concept).
The Nat’l Agency for Planning & Development accepted the scientists concerns and adopted a new policy, issued as a Presidential Decree in 1986. The decree had 3 objectives: • Develop manpower at grassroots level to educate & expand IPM • Increase efficiency of inputs, particularly pesticides • Improve environmental quality & human health
The decree banned 57 broad-spectrum insecticides. Only a few narrow-spectrum would be allowed, and only in an IPM program.
Another important step was gradual withdrawal of the pesticide subsidy, from 80% to 45% in one year, and totally withdrawn the following year.
These changes necessitated a change in the mentality of government officials. They were required to move from a pesticide-based system to a comprehensive one (IPM system).
The government charged the National Agency for Planning & Development with IPM planning and implementation because the Dept of Ag’s slow-moving bureaucracy wasn’t on-board with the concept. Eventually, the Dept of Ag realized they were being passed by and developed interest, finally taking over the IPM program.
Control approaches that were used:
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o Cultural: Crop rotation with non-host crops: mung bean, soybeans, sweet potato. Fallow periods between rice crops.
o Biological: There are around 80 parasites and predators of the brown planthopper. Research shows
that the wolf spider plays a critical role in keeping the brown planthopper populations at low levels.
o Genetic: Varieties were selected for planthopper tolerance. Resistance was monitored closely.
o Mechanical/Physical: Field rats are controlled by organized hunts and plugging irrigation canals.
o Chemical: The Presidential Decree allowed chemical pesticide use, but only those that are highly selective and have minimal impact on non-target animals and plants. Two insecticides that did not harm the wolf spider, but are active on the brown planthopper, were selected for use. One IGR (insect growth regulator) was allowed, limited to 1 application when the brown planthopper was in the nymphal stage. EC formulations were chosen over dusts for ease of transportation and reduced risk during application. Seed treatments were promoted for disease control.
o Legal/Regulatory: A strong pesticide regulation program was developed, with good enforcement
authorities, dealing with: registration, permits, safe use and handling, storage, transport, disposal and sanctions to violators.
o Pesticide subsidy eliminated. o Broad spectrum pesticides banned. o Safer formulations required.
IPM Education was a strong component of this project. Selected Extension Agents received 8 months of intensive training. Farmer Field Schools were established. Learning by Doing was emphasized! They made observations and experiments in field and laboratory. Experiment example: Brown planthoppers and a wolf spider in a cage, compared to a cage with brown planthoppers and no spider.
Teamwork was emphasized, teaching that working together leads to better results than working alone. Educational materials were prepared, with color pictures of pests and beneficial.
Results:
Sr. No.
Product Objective /Description Practices/Process
1 Plastic egg (for
releasing of
Trichogramma)
Artificial eggs to for vitro
rearing of Trichogramma
Collection of Trichogramma as main
reservoir for multiplication
Filling of nutrients in eggs for larval
feed
Exposure of Trichogramma to plastic
eggs
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Recording important information i.e.
date of production, expected date of
parasitoid emergence
Release of Trichogramma ranging from
7500 to 300,000 per hac according to
field conditions, ecology and pest
infestation
2 Crystal cup with
yellow cap
Preservation of insects in
field after collection
Preserving insect in cup by closing the
cap
3 Pheromone trap Pheromone trap to capture
fruit fly in field, decreasing
fruit fly population,
assessment of ETL and
identification of pest.
Filling of dipped cotton swab in trap
with Methyl Eugenol
Spread of insecticide on inside surface
of trap box
Interval of replacement of cotton swab
. No. of traps in one acre (8 per acre for
orchards)
. Data recording per trap each week
. Time for installing traps
. Appropriate height for traps
placement in field
4 Fruit fly box trap Pheromone trap to capture
fruit fly in field
. Filling of dipped cotton swab in trap
with Methyl Eugenol
. Spread of insecticide on inside surface
of trap box
. Interval of replacement of cotton swab
. No. of traps in one acre (8 per acre for
orchards)
. Data recording per trap each week
. Time for installing traps
Appropriate height for traps
placement in field
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5 Yellow box trap
with glue
A type of pheromone trap to
capture insect in field
. Interval of replacement of glue
. No. of traps in one acre (8 per acre for
orchards)
. Data recording per trap each week
. Time for installing traps
. Appropriate height for traps
placement in field
6 Yellow Delta trap
with glue
Triangular corrugated trap
for Lepidoptera insects
. Placement of sticky sheet inside delta
trap
. Data recording of insects
. Change of sticky sheet after proper
interval
7 Insect collection net Simple net to collect insects
manually
. No. of times to sweep net
. Time of sweeping -
Morning/noon/evening
. Interval of sweeping
. ETL assessment for treatment
. Identification of insect as beneficial or
harmful
8 Aspirator Insect suction gun operated
with battery
. Aspirator sweeping inside and outside
plant canopy
9 Hand Magnifying
lens
To observe eggs, nymph,
plant and small insects
closely
. Close observation of leaf/fruit surface
for disease, insect life stage and
identification
10 Magnifying micro
lens
To observe eggs, nymph,
plant and small insects
closely
. Close observation of leaf/fruit surface
for disease, insect life stage and
identification
11 Knap sack sprayer –
manual (with all
nozzle)
To spray chemicals on crop
for pest management
. Correct shifting of solution into sprayer
. Selection of correct nozzle for specific
crop
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Insecticide applications were reduced by around 50% in some areas. A high-value vegetable crop IPM program was established. No. of insecticide sprays went from average 10.6 to 4.1. No. of fungicide sprays went from average 2.74 to 0.07. Use of illegal insecticides decreased by 80% Follow-up training was held to reinforce IPM by Farmers. Extension adopted a new philosophy “visit and teach”, but more interactive and hands-on teaching.
A. LIST OF IPM TOOLS/EQUIPMENT FOR DEMONSTRATION STAKEHOLDERS TRAINING WORKSHOP AND DEMONSTRATION IN LAHORE: Agriculture technology unit of Pakistan Agricultural Technology Transfer Activity (PATTA) project organized half day Training Workshop” Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – Understanding and demonstrating IPM” at Avari Hotel Lahore on July 16th, 2018. Objective of this workshop was to conduct hands-on training to understand the basics of IPM, recent trends around the world and innovative solutions with technology which are cost effective, adaptable and sustainable, to manage the wide spread pest issues. The training covered the basic concepts of IPM, focusing on the various types of pest management strategies. Certain tools/equipment were arranged like pheromone traps, insect nets, beneficial insects rearing etc. which are being used in IPM at different approaches globally. Field demonstrations were carried out for better understanding of equipment. Case study of other countries and effective examples made this session interactive and very elaborative. Representatives from Punjab government, private sector companies, and University of Punjab participated in the event.
. Method of spraying for orchards,
green houses and open field.
. Adjustment of nozzle and mist
. Cleaning of sprayer after use.
. Service and maintenance of kit
. Calibration of sprayer
12 Ground cloth -
canvas piece 1m x
1m
Simple cloth to collect insect . Proper placement of cloth piece on
ground
13 Trichogramma
rearing cage 16’’ x
20’’ x 20’’
Rearing of Trichogramma
population
. Feeding insects for proper
reproduction
. Appropriate environment for rearing
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STAKEHOLDERS TRAINING WORKSHOP AND DEMONSTRATION IN FAISALABAD: Agriculture technology unit of Pakistan Agricultural Technology Transfer Activity (PATTA) project organized half day Training Workshop” Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – Understanding and demonstrating IPM” at University of Agriculture Faisalabad on 17 July, 2018. Objective of this workshop was to conduct hands-on training to understand the basics of IPM, recent trends around the world and innovative solutions with technology which are cost effective, adaptable and sustainable, to manage the wide spread pest issues. The training covered the basic concepts of IPM, focusing on the various types of pest management strategies. Certain tools/equipment were arranged like pheromone traps, insect nets, beneficial insects rearing etc. which are being used in IPM at different approaches globally. Field demonstrations were carried out for better understanding of equipment. Case study of other countries and effective examples made this session interactive and very elaborative. Representatives from Punjab government, private sector companies, and University of Agriculture, Faisalabad participated in the event.
STAKEHOLDERS TRAINING WORKSHOP AND DEMONSTRATION IN ISLAMABAD: Agriculture technology unit of Pakistan Agricultural Technology Transfer Activity (PATTA) project organized half day Training Workshop” Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – Understanding and demonstrating IPM” at Margalla hotel Islamabad on 19
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July, 2018. Objective of this workshop was to conduct hands-on training to understand the basics of IPM, recent trends around the world and innovative solutions with technology which are cost effective, adaptable and sustainable, to manage the wide spread pest issues. The training covered the basic concepts of IPM, focusing on the various types of pest management strategies. Certain tools/equipment were arranged like pheromone traps, insect nets, beneficial insects rearing etc. which are being used in IPM at different approaches globally. Field demonstrations were carried out for better understanding of equipment. Representatives from National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) Punjab government, private sector companies, and Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University participated in the event. After inhouse training, field demonstrations were carried out in field NARC. Different tools for IPM were demonstrated in field.
Conclusion
IPM practices in Pakistan are limited in practices and their wide adaptation is necessary in future. Meetings with stakeholders provide necessary snapshot IPM situation in Pakistan. The trainings delivered provide thought provoking sessions to participants to understand IPM and its importance for the horticulture and livestock sector of Pakistan.
ANNEX 1. SCOPE OF WORK
CNFA - Pakistan Agricultural Technology Transfer Activity (PATTA)
SCOPE OF WORK –Short-term Technical Assistance (STTA)
Project Name CNFA-PATTA/ Project AID-391-C-17- 00004
Consultancy Assignment
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Consultant Title Horticulture/Livestock IPM Specialist
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CNFA Description: CNFA is an enterprise development organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to stimulating sustainable growth in the agricultural sector. CNFA specializes in fostering private sector investments in training, new technologies and marketing to increase the overall competitiveness of agricultural value chains, expand exports, and develop skills in the rural workforce. By generating higher incomes for farmers, processors, entrepreneurs, and distributors, CNFA helps improve livelihoods and reduce poverty.
PATTA Background: Outdated and ineffective agricultural technologies are among the leading causes for Pakistan’s agricultural productivity falling short of its potential. Scaling up the production, distribution, and adoption of agricultural technologies in Pakistan is made challenging by lack of information, difficulty in accessing credit, a wide dispersion of smallholders, and diverse of challenges facing marginalized subsets of smallholder farmers – such as women.
PATTA Description: PATTA will bring to scale private sector solutions to improve agricultural productivity in Pakistan through a four-year activity. PATTA will partner with agricultural technology companies to commercialize products and services with the potential to increase the productivity and competitiveness of smallholder farmers while mobilizing private sector investment in agricultural technology. PATTA’s partnership will provide smallholder farmers with boarder access to affordable technologies to increase productivity, build resilience to climate change and reduce postharvest losses. In so doing, PATTA expects to achieve the following results:
Increase smallholder farmer access to affordable, appropriate and effective agricultural technologies; Enable agricultural technology-related businesses to expand and adapt their products and services to meet
smallholders needs; Scale up the adoption and use of agricultural technologies.
STTA Background: The horticulture sector contributes to about 12% of Pakistan’s GDP and provides employment and incomes to several actors along related value chains. An estimated 13.67% of Million Metric Tons (MMT) of horticultural products are grown annually, with postharvest losses averaging about 25%. Only 4% of annual horticultural production is exported, garnering less than 50% of average world prices due to both inferior quality of produce and sales in low-value markets. To meet domestic and export demand for horticultural products (inclusive of fruits and vegetables), major inputs such as chemical controls play a crucial role in ensuring crop productivity and quality. Barring environmental issues and residual effects hazardous to human health, the cost-benefit ratio for the use of chemicals would ultimately dictate that farmers use them.
Reports to Chief of Party and Agricultural Technology Director
Place of Performance Islamabad, Lahore
Total Contract LOE 22 days, including 3 international travel days, 14 work days in country, 3 days for report preparation, 2 days pre-travel technical preparation
Estimated Overall Contract Period of Performance
1st July 2018 to 27th July 2018
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Pakistan imports generic as well as branded chemicals - mostly in form of concentrates - worth billions of rupees every year. Excessive use of chemicals increases the immunity of pests to future treatments, introduces elements toxic to ecosystems, and creates hazards to users (farmer or laborers) and anyone (human or animal) who consumes or comes into contact with these contaminants. In the US, herbicides constitute 85% of total use of chemical controls, whereas in Pakistan pesticide use – specifically insecticide - ranks at 85% of total use of chemical controls. Around 60-65% of insecticide in Pakistan is used only for cotton, followed by 7% for paddy, 4% used for cereals and 2% used for sugar cane. Meanwhile, herbicide usage in Pakistan only amounts to approximately 10% of total use of chemical controls.
STTA Objective and Scope: As part of PATTA’s integrated strategy, awareness of best practices in IPM technologies and applications will help reduce the cost of production, improve the quality of products and support the area’s natural biosphere. PATTA is seeking a Horticulture/Entomologist/Plant Protection Specialist (specialization in IPM) to conduct a situational analysis of the horticulture sector. The analysis should focus on current IPM techniques and safe practices in collaboration with supply-side companies (SSPs) and farm service centers. This will complement USAID environmental compliance regulations and the PATTA Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safe Use Action Plan (PERSUAP).
• Identify new products, technologies and innovations from other countries, local research institutions, local regional agricultural bureaus, and demand or supply side partners. Introduce these technologies for local manufacture, distribution and/or sale, as appropriate, through presentations, demonstrations or other methods.
• Identify farm demonstration delivery methodologies to introduce new technologies and innovations to smallholders;
• Develop effective and interactive farm demonstrations which can be implemented by demand side partners. Meet with key partners to discuss and plan;
• Develop illustrative training materials & tools to guide Supply Side Partners in formulating IPM approaches, including but not limited to biological controls for pest and disease management for their clients (dealers and farmers);
• Explore opportunities to benefit from Center of Agriculture & Biosciences International (CABI) Rawalpindi, Ayyub Agriculture Research Institute (AARI) Faisalabad and National Agriculture Research Institute Center (NARC) &/ Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) in promoting/training IPM; with goal of determining their capacity and interest in developing, implementing and evaluating IPM demonstrations under PATTA sponsorship.
• Increase smallholder’s acceptance and adoption rate of new agricultural technologies and innovations using farm demonstrations methodologies;
• Assist with development of PATTA’s second year work plan; • Build the capacity of Demand and/or Supply Side Partners and private extension agent Partners on IPM theory
and practical application. Design simple tools to guide the development of pest and disease management plans/programs of Supply Side Partners, relevant to the context of smallholder farmers. The consultant’s tasks will include, but will not be limited to:
• Demonstration of hands-on training and technical assistance for use of various techniques to identify, control and mitigate the pest attack on vegetables under controlled and open field conditions;
• Working with demand-side partners to start planning demonstrations, procuring equipment and supplies, and identifying cooperators;
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• Initial planning and procurement of tools needed for demonstrations for managing Tuta absoluta. Tie this into insect-proof screen houses, plastic, drip irrigation, pheromone mass trapping in open fields (i.e. data shows efficacy at 48 traps/ha) etc.;
• Working with Supply Side Partners to determine the feasibility of incorporating certain biopesticides for horticulture (pending government registration), and more chemical insecticide choices for livestock pest control. This task could be carried out in collaboration with the USAID PEEP project, which is policy-related. Meetings will be organized and scheduled between PEEP, Supply Side Partners and the PATTA technical team to initiate work on policy enrichment for biopesticides.
Deliverables Associated Activities
Work plan with methodology (both from home of record and n-country)
Develop detailed work plan and a brief suggested methodology during the period of assignment to the PATTA technical team and COP in accordance with USAID approved PERSUAP regulations. Conduct brief pre-travel review of international IPM experience from literature.
Deliverables Associated Activities
Recommendations on IPM products and/or technologies which should be available to farmers through demand and supply partners.
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Meet with demand side partners to review and discuss and understand regulatory constraints.
Determine feasibility of introducing regulated IPM products vs. PATTA time frame and submit recommendation to COP.
IPM Demonstrations protocols for
horticulture and livestock sectors
• Design appropriate protocols and guidelines for IPM technologies.
• Plan onsite demonstration for adaption of new IPM technologies by horticulture tunnel farmers and livestock and dairy smallholder’s farmers.
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Desired Qualifications:
An advanced degree in the specialized field of agriculture entomology, plant protection, commercial entomology, and/or agricultural engineering;
Hands-on experience in IPM technologies in the field of horticulture and livestock sectors; 5 years’ experience work with commercial manufacturers, traders, farmers or exporters, as well as other players
in the Horticulture; Sound knowledge of Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) in agricultural production and maintaining quality
standards; Prior experience working as a consultant with USAID or donor-funded projects in Pakistan; experience in SPS and
international IPM applications; Excellent computer skills - in particular: Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point; Demonstrable interpersonal and communication skills; Documented excellent writing skills in English; Oral fluency in English.
• Conduct IPM Trainings at FSC at KP for IPM for awareness and adoption of new technologies.
Feasibility assessment of utilizing research institutions (i.e. CABI, AARI, NARC, PARC, etc.) for building IPM capacity among PATTA partners.
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•
Meet with institute staff to
determine their level of interest in leading/mentoring IPM capacity building work (i.e. demonstrations, trainings, etc.)
Final Report and Guidelines • Provide assessments, demonstration plans and protocols.
• Develop draft budget for any support of possible institutional IPM demonstrations and/or trainings.
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Annex 2. Presentations
De-Briefing to USAID - Integrated Pest Management & Demonstrations
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Annex 3. Technology Demonstration of IPM toolkit
Agriculture technology unit of Pakistan Agricultural Technology Transfer Activity (PATTA) project organized
half day Training Workshop “Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – Understanding and demonstrating IPM” at
University of Agriculture at three different cities. Objective of this workshop was to conduct hands-on training to
understand the basics of IPM, recent trends around the world and innovative solutions with technology which are
cost effective, adaptable and sustainable, to manage the wide spread pest issues. The training covered the basic
concepts of IPM, focusing on the various types of pest management strategies. We arranged certain
tools/equipment like pheromone traps, insect nets, beneficial insects rearing etc which are being used in IPM at
different approaches globally. Field demonstrations were carried out for better understanding of equipment. Case
study of other countries and effective examples made this session interactive and very elaborative.
Representatives from Punjab government, private sector companies, and academia participated in the event.
Following technologies were demonstrated effectively in field to stakeholders:
Fig. 1: Tools/equipment for effective demonstration of IPM at field level
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1. Insect collection net/ sweep net:
Insect collection net/ sweep net is composed of some sort of net bag made of cloth or fine mesh that is
attached to a wire hoop, which is affixed to a wooden or metal pole. Nets come in many sizes with some having
the circumference being smaller than others and with variable pole lengths as well. Aerial net bags are usually
white in color, but black net bags are also available. They are most useful for catching select insects that may be
flying or perched on something (such as dragonflies, butterflies, bees, or wasps). Aerial nets with larger hoops are
better for collecting large and fast-moving insects such as dragonflies and butterflies, while those with small hoops
are better for bees, flies, wasps, and other smaller insects. In the tropics, very long handled nets are used to collect
butterflies that are found high in trees.
Practices:
1. Sweeping of net right and left to capture insect randomly.
2. Once captured, flip the handle to close the opening area to avoid escaping of insects.
3. Shaking the net to take insects to bottom.
4. Shifting insect to a jar or plastic bottle.
5. Sealing the bottle to preserve insect
6. Observing the insect to identifying as harmful or beneficial insect
7. Counting and recording insects to determine Economic Threshold Level.
Fig. 2: Insect collection using sweep net Fig. 2: Inspecting insect captured through swe
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Annex 4. Managing Pesticide Resistance
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Annex 5. Initial Assessment of Integrated Pest Management Practices in Pakistan
Overview & Purpose
CNFA is implementing the USAID-funded Pakistan Agricultural Technology Transfer Activity (PATTA)
project, 2018 -2021. PATTA is focusing on two agricultural sectors (1) Livestock, and (2) Horticulture. This consultant’s assignment is related to technology transfer of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods and technologies in the horticulture sector. This initial assessment serves as the basis for understanding the current status of IPM in the Pakistani horticulture and livestock sector.
Process & Methods
PATTA staff arranged a series of introductory fact-finding meetings between this consultant and a number
of players in Pakistani agriculture (horticulture and livestock) sector. Meetings were held with private sector players (supply side partners or potential PATTA partners) national and international research institutes, and national teaching and extension institutes. Findings are based on information gathered during these meetings.
Summary of Findings
Understanding and promotion of IPM is limited. Government Extension is under-funded and receives little training. The traditional agricultural chemical business sector is firmly entrenched and it can be expected that this
sector views IPM as a threat. Farmers are reluctant to adopt new technologies, especially those requiring a higher level of knowledge &
management skills. Availability of IPM technologies and products is limited. At least two of our PATTA partners believe there is a demand for safer food, i.e. “organic” or “reduced
pesticide”, but this market has not been tested. Government policy does not offer any significant support to IPM and policy matters!
Discussion & Implications
IPM faces a number of challenges:
Public-sector challenges
Government Extension does not have sufficient staff or receive sufficient training. In Punjab Province, for instance, Extension Agents attempt to cover an average of 40-50 villages/agent. Of the 450 government Extension workers in Punjab, only 15 are dedicated to horticultural crops. The regulatory process is outdated. For example, pheromones are treated the same as synthetic chemical pesticides from a regulatory requirements view. Registration of a new pheromone will require a minimum of 2 years. There are few incentives for using IPM, the exception being sugarcane, mango and citrus grown for export and being subjected to pesticide residue analysis. These crops must meet established Maximum Residue Limits in order to be accepted for export. This incentive drives IPM in those crops.
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Research suffers from institutional “stovepipes”. Most research is basic vs. applied. Researchers have no outreach responsibilities and have no incentive to be responsive to Extension or growers’ needs. The institutions with technical expertise in IPM have few connections to the farm level. For instance, CABI has a number of initiatives underway, but with over 8 million farms in the country, their impact is limited. Similarly, the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) has limited outreach activities.
Private-sector challenges
Farmers are not educated regarding IPM practices. IPM is knowledge-intensive and can be challenging to comprehend. Farmers lack basic pest identification knowledge and rely on chemical industry salesmen (private-sector Extension) for recommendations. Farmers see no incentives to IPM adoption. Private Extension workers are not trained in IPM, their focus is sales. One goal of IPM is to reduce pesticide use, which is can be a threat to pesticide suppliers. IPM technology is often low-cost or has no cost at all. IPM supplies may not require recurring purchases, reducing the opportunity for commercial profits. The availability of IPM products and technologies is limited. For example, commercial formulations of sprayable Bacillus thuringiensis, the most widely utilized biopesticide in the world, are not available in Pakistan. However, two beneficial insects are available (Trichograma and chrysoperla) from state-funded insectaries and given freely to farmers who ask.
Recommendations & Action Items Build capacity for IPM
1. Targeted trainings & demonstrations
a. Develop a capacity building program for IPM, partnering research institutes with our partners and select growers. For instance, have CABI and AARI, & Star Farms establish an IPM demonstration and training project under PATTA support. Train partners, Extension and farmers. Design this as very “hands-on” activities. Use these demonstrations to build institutional and farmer capacity for IPM.
2. Promote IPM incentives (retail market, grower assoc, govt) a. Develop informational material on benefits of IPM b. Assist partners in ‘organic’ or ‘reduced pesticide’ test market efforts. Consider MRL testing
as one marketing component. 3. Develop social media platform, featuring IPM, demonstrations, technology, meetings, tours, pests’ biology, scouting news, photos of farmers, consumers buying produce, clean environment, etc. 4. Develop IPM recommendations for key crops, including Economic Thresholds, scouting methods, pest identification Fact Sheets and suggested IPM strategies.
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5. Support, as possible, public policies that support IPM. 6. Promote IPM business opportunities, scouting, consulting, testing, training, selling. Increase availability of IPM technology
1. Work with supply-side companies to insure availability of appropriate technology tools for IPM
implementation. Care must be taken to insure biopesticides meet industry standards for potency because biocontrol agents do not have an unlimited ‘shelf life’ and may require special handling.
a. Biopesticides: Sprayable Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauvaria bassiana, viruses, neem & insecticidal soaps must be in supply chain and available. Insure availability of pheromone traps for Tuta absoluta.
b. Beneficial arthropods: Determine source and availability of parasites and predators available for IPM through supply side partners, importation, or promote business opportunity for local production.
2. Low tunnel, high tunnel, plastic mulch, row covers, drip irrigation, screen/net cloth for protected cultivation, etc. should be available and encouraged as part of IPM. The South African tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta, will arrive in Pakistan within the next 12 months. Screenhouse cultivation of tomato will become a viable IPM tool.
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