Plant Protection Service FAO, Rome
Crop losses due to pests and diseases under normal conditions might often be as high as 30 percent of the potential production. Chemical control gives good results, but creates problems like resistance in pest organisms, environmental pollution and is costly. Any other single control factor also does not provide a permanent solution.
Hence there is a great necessity for integrated pest management. This requires a better knowledge of the economic importance of different pest species, a precise insight into the biological factors regulating the population fluctuations and interaction between different control measures; and is dependant on an effective pest surveillance and fore. casting integrated.
FAO panel of experts on integrated pest control has developed an outline for a cooperative global programme for the development and application of integrated pest management. Goal of this programme isito ensure the required production of essential foods and fibres in ways which maintain environmental qualities and yet are economically feasible. It is proposed to develop this project on regional basis by setting inter-country programmes. In each countr/emphasis will be laid on problem oriented research, training, extension and demonstration. This would provide an effective and longer lasting solution to the problems created by pests and diseases in agriculture.
