AP govt takes urgent action to protect chilli crops from black thrips attack

The Andhra Pradesh government has launched emergency measures to help farmers protect their chili crops following widespread attacks by black thrips across the state. Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu has directed officials to take immediate steps to contain the pest and prevent any loss to farmers.

Minister Atchannaidu, speaking with Dr. K. Srinivas, Director of the Horticulture Department, from his Vijayawada camp office, instructed that a detailed report on the current situation be submitted immediately. Scientists are being dispatched to affected areas to assess the severity of the pest attack. Special teams will also guide farmers on scientific spraying methods and other control measures.

Highlighting that black thrips have been affecting chili crops in several districts since 2021, the minister emphasized the importance of awareness programs at the village level and training sessions through farmer service centers. Scientists from the Horticulture Department and YSR Horticultural University will conduct field visits to provide hands-on guidance to farmers. The minister assured that the government is committed to taking swift action for the benefit of farmers.

To manage black thrips effectively, a combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods is recommended. Farmers are advised to dig deep trenches during summer and apply 200 kg of neem cake per acre. Fertilizers should be used as per recommended doses, and crop rotation along with green manure application is essential. Mechanically, installing 40-50 blue sticky traps per acre can help trap pests. Chemically, recommended pesticides such as neem oil, Buprofezin, Flupyradifurone, Fipronil, and Spiromesifen should be applied in proper doses, while unapproved chemicals must be avoided.

Dr. Srinivas urged farmers to follow these guidelines carefully to protect their crops and ensure maximum yield.