CIPMC Conducts Slug Caterpillar Survey in Nancowry Group of Islands

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Kamorta, April 14: Pest monitoring and surveillance is a significant activity of DPPQS, Faridabad, Union MoA&FW. In the wake of incidence of Slug caterpillar infestation in coconut orchards of Nimbutala area and report of previous incidence in Katchal and Chowra Islands, a periodic pest survey was conducted by Dr. Shiva Kumar H.D., Assistant Plant Protection Officer, Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC), Port Blair to identify pest and disease associated with Coconut based agro ecosystems of Kamorta, Katchal, Teressa, Chowra Islands in consultation with Sh. S.P. Prasad, Asst. Director (Soil), Zonal Agri Office, Nancowry Group of Islands.

A team comprising of Dr. Shiva Kumar H.D. and Sh. Mohammed Haneefa, AFA, Spices Progeny Orchard, Katchal inspected the coconut plantations in Kapanga, E-Wall, Japan Tickrey, Kambelwe, Jhoola, Jansin and discussed with Sh. L. Aron, Captain-MeenakshiRam Nagar Shelter about Nicobari Aloo and Coconut Slug caterpillar in the present and previous years. Since coconut slug caterpillar infestation was reported in Chowra Island in previous year, Dr. Shiva Kumar H.D. visited the infested orchard in Kuitasuk area to observe the recovery with Mr. David Froster, 1st Captain Ta-eela, Mr. Peter Patrick, Farmer Friend, Mr. Godfred, Secretary, NYKS and observed Rhinoceros Beetle, leaf spot in trace to low intensity and informed the farmers to report any incidence of pest and diseases to CIPMC through Directorate of Agriculture to protect the only livelihood crop of the island. There was no report of slug caterpillar in Chukmachi, Minyuk, Hinam, Aloorang of Teressa Island when scouted with Mr. Ahab, Agri Dept Teressa.

Dr. Shiva Kumar H.D. advised the farmers to adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM), application of Farm Yard Manure(FYM), Trichoderma, Neem Cake and use of Light traps as well as bucket traps for Rhinoceros Beetle infestation to minimize crop losses caused by pest and diseases and for the betterment of environment and human health.

Dr. Shiva Kumar H.D., APPO(WS), Mr. David Froster, Mr. Peter Patrick and Mr. Godfred observed recovered palms at Kuitasuk Community Plantation which were infested last year.