The National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at providing a comprehensive and real-time system for monitoring pest populations, especially those affecting agriculture. This system is crucial for predicting outbreaks, managing pest control efforts, and minimizing the damage caused to crops. Read here to learn more.
The Union Government on August 15, 2024, launched the AI-based National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) that will help farmers to connect with agriculture scientists and experts on controlling pests using their phones.
NPSS aims to reduce the dependence of farmers on pesticide retailers and inculcate a scientific approach among them towards pest management. NPSS will analyse the latest data on pests using AI tools to help farmers and experts in pest control and management.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an important strategy in India’s agricultural sector, aimed at minimizing the use of chemical pesticides and promoting sustainable farming practices.
- IPM involves a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools to manage pest populations in an economically viable, environmentally friendly, and socially acceptable manner.
- In 1992, 26 Central Integrated Pest Management Centres (CIPMCs) were established by merging all Central Plant Protection Stations (CPPS), Central Surveillance Stations (CSS) and Central Biological Control Stations (CBCS).
- Later on, 5 more CIPMCs were established in the 10th Five Year Plan & further 4 nos. in the 12th Five Year Plan period.
- As of date, 36 CIPMCs are working in 28 States and 2 Union Territories.
Main objectives of IPM
- Minimize the crop losses caused by pests and diseases.
- Encourage farmers to use various ecologically sustainable pest management approaches rather than relying only on chemical pesticides.
- Promote the use of bio-pesticides & bio-control agents in plant pest management.
- Conserve the diverse agroecosystem for the build-up of various natural enemies for plant pests.
- Create awareness amongst farmers on (i) the Safe and judicious use of chemical pesticides, (ii) follow the label claims and instructions on dose and use as approved by CIB&RC.
- Carry out surveys and surveillance for pests and diseases with the main emphasis on forewarning the farmers on the potential epidemics of plant pests.
- Popularizing IPM in the farming community by imparting training to Agriculture / Horticulture Extension Functionaries and Farmers at the root level by organizing Farmer’s Field Schools / 2 days / Five days HRD programs and Season Long Training Programmes of 30 days. In these programmes, they are being trained on the latest IPM technology and to adopt organic farming and bio-fertilizers as well.
Objectives of the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)
- Real-time Pest Monitoring: The NPSS is designed to monitor pests across different regions in real time, using advanced technologies like drones, sensors, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It helps in early detection of pest infestations, providing timely alerts to farmers and authorities.
- Data-Driven Pest Management: The system is intended to collect extensive data on pest species, their movement patterns, and the environmental conditions that foster outbreaks. This data will help create predictive models and inform pest management strategies.
- Integration with Existing Systems: NPSS aims to integrate with the existing agricultural extension services and databases, providing comprehensive and actionable insights to farmers. It will also coordinate with meteorological data to understand the impact of climate on pest populations.
- Decision Support System (DSS): The system will be equipped with a DSS that uses data analytics to recommend specific interventions, such as pesticide application, biological control measures, or changes in farming practices, depending on the severity of the pest problem.
- Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Pest Control: NPSS is expected to promote sustainable agricultural practices by minimizing the overuse of chemical pesticides. The goal is to foster eco-friendly pest control measures that reduce environmental damage while ensuring crop protection.
Key features of the NPSS platform
- AI-Driven Analysis:
- Advanced Technology: NPSS leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyze real-time data on pest infestations, including weather patterns, crop conditions, and pest behaviour. This allows for timely and precise interventions, helping to manage pest outbreaks more effectively.
- Predictive Modeling: The AI system can predict potential pest outbreaks by analyzing patterns, which enables preemptive measures to be taken before an infestation becomes widespread.
- Direct Communication with Experts:
- User-Friendly Interface: Farmers can upload images of affected crops or pests directly from their mobile phones to the NPSS platform. This feature allows for quick identification of the pest and immediate advice on how to manage it.
- Expert Assistance: The platform connects farmers with agricultural experts who provide tailored recommendations based on the specific issues faced by the farmer, thus ensuring that the advice is accurate and practical.
- Reduction of Pesticide Dependence:
- Sustainable Practices: By offering precise pest management advice, NPSS helps reduce the overuse of chemical pesticides. This not only lowers the environmental impact but also reduces the cost burden on farmers.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): The platform promotes the use of IPM techniques, which combine biological, cultural, and mechanical pest control methods to minimize reliance on chemical interventions.
- Widespread Reach:
- National Coverage: NPSS is designed to support approximately 140 million farmers across India, making expert advice and pest management strategies accessible to a vast number of agricultural workers, even in remote areas.
- Mobile Accessibility: The platform is accessible via mobile applications, ensuring that farmers from various regions can easily use the service regardless of their location.
- Prevention of Unnecessary Pesticide Purchases:
- Cost-Effective: By providing accurate and timely advice, NPSS helps farmers avoid unnecessary pesticide purchases, thus preventing waste and promoting cost-effective farming practices.
- Tailored Recommendations: The system provides advice based on specific crop conditions and pest infestations, ensuring that farmers only use pesticides when necessary.
- Integration with Local Outreach:
- State-Level Programs: NPSS is integrated with state-level outreach programs to ensure that the technology is disseminated effectively. This integration helps tailor the support to the regional agricultural challenges faced by farmers.
- Capacity Building: The platform also contributes to building the capacity of local agricultural communities by providing training and resources to help them implement the pest management strategies recommended by NPSS.
Benefits
- Early Warning System: Farmers receive alerts well before pest infestations reach critical levels, allowing for proactive interventions.
- Increased Crop Yields: By controlling pest outbreaks more efficiently, NPSS can help reduce crop losses and improve productivity.
- Reduced Pesticide Usage: Through targeted pest control measures, the system promotes more judicious use of pesticides, lowering costs for farmers and reducing health risks.
Challenges
- Implementation: Establishing a nationwide system like NPSS involves significant infrastructure, training, and coordination challenges.
- Technological Barriers: Access to advanced technology and ensuring its widespread adoption by farmers could pose difficulties.
- Data Management: Collecting and managing large volumes of real-time data would require robust systems and technical expertise.
Conclusion
The NPSS represents a major advancement in India’s agricultural surveillance efforts. If successfully implemented, it will enhance pest management, improve agricultural productivity, and contribute to the sustainability of farming practices.
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-Article by Swathi Satish
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