Advances in crop protection practices for the environmental sustainability of cropping systems

Abstract

The era of green revolution has witnessed a tremendous change in the outlook of agriculture development. Green revolution emphasized the increased availability of food grains through the use of high yielding varieties, plant protection measures, and application of increased dosage of synthetic fertilizers, coupled with irrigation management. It not only increased the food grain production but also the utilization of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Over-reliance on the use of pesticides during green revolution has resulted in environmental pollution, ground water contamination, resurgence of pests, and poisoning of food sources, animals and human beings. Extensive application of fertilizers has changed the soil properties and acts as a major barrier in sustainable agriculture production. Farmers and agro-based industries could thrive only through the technological innovation that goes in harmony with IPM practices. Several advances have been made in the research and implementation of control strategies for the management of pests and diseases, which could be integrated into a sustainable agricultural system. The chapter focuses on these advances in various control measures and gives an account of various successful IPM programs from around the world. The success of any IPM program would depend on the understanding and acceptance from the farmers, and the integrated approach needed in form of policy making, communication and networking from the governmental and non-governmental agencies. The policy makers have to be advised to allocate budget for the extensive training, motivation of farmers and promotion of IPM through the establishment of IPM networks. Restructuring, both research and policy issues, will pave way for sustainable agriculture production through IPM.