Business Potential for Agricultural Biotechnology - Asian Productivity ...

R&D Priorities for Biopesticide and Biofertilizer Products in India
The use of biopesticides and biocontrol agents is on the increase, but not to the desired
level of growth, although presently a decrease in chemical pesticide consumption is indicated.
Many small entrepreneurs are developing biopesticides and biocontrol agent products, but many
of them have little quality consciousness.
Success Stories of Biopesticides in India
Encouraging success stories of biopesticides and biocontrol agents used in agriculture
include:
Control of diamondback moths by Bacillus thuringiensis.
Control of mango hoppers and mealy bugs and coffee pod borer by Beauveria.
Control of Helicoverpa on cotton, pigeon-pea, and tomato by Bacillus thuringiensis.
Control of white fly on cotton by neem products.
Control of Helicoverpa on gram by N.P.V.
Control of sugarcane borers by Trichogramma.
Control of rots and wilts in various crops by Trichoderma-based products.
Constraints in Widespread Adoption of Biopesticides
Constraints preventing widespread adoption of biopesticides include lack of knowledge,
lack of simple illustrated information and well-executed demonstrations, shorter shelf life of biocontrol
agents, and inappropriate application technologies and equipment.
Availability of Biopesticides in India
The success stories of biopesticides and biocontrol agents in the areas mentioned above
illustrate the possibility of their large-scale adoption in other areas as well. Timely availability of
high-quality inputs is essential. The present status of the availability of biopesticides and biocontrol
agents and related constraints is summarized in Table 2.
Table 2. Availability of Biopesticides, India
Biopesticides/Bioagents Quantity/annum Constraints
Neem 300 PPM Over 1,000,000 L Quality, stability
Neem 1500 PPM Over 250,000 L —
Bt Over 50,000 kg —
NPV (liquid) Over 500,000 L.E. Quality, stability
NPV (W.P.) Nil —
Beauveria Meager Quality, stability
Pheromone traps Over 500,000 Quality, stability
Lures Over 2 million Quality, stability
Trichogramma 1 million Quality, stability
Chrysoperla and other biocontrol insects Meager Quality, stability
Trichoderma Over 500 T Quality, stability
Necessary Steps to Improve Adoption of Biopesticides
IPM packages by each state to meet local needs, involving industry.
Priority on pest surveillance and monitoring for timely forewarning of pests and disease.
Simplification of registration requirements for biopesticides and biocontrol agents, bringing
all of them under the purview of the Insecticide Act.
Promotion of biopesticides in export-oriented commodities like spices, fruits, vegetables,
basmati rice, and organic cotton.
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