Entrepreneurship development in IPMAn Entrepreneur is an individual with knowledge, skills, initiative, drive and spirit of innovation who aims at achieving goals.

An entrepreneur identifies opportunities and seizes opportunities for economic benefits.

Entrepreneurship is a dynamic activity which helps the entrepreneur to bring changes in the process of production, innovation in production, new usage of materials, creator of market etc.

Agri-Entrepreneur: It is defined as generally sustainable, community oriented, directly marketed agriculture. Sustainable agriculture denotes a holistic, systems oriented approach to farming that focuses on the interrelationships of social, economic and environmental process.

Scope for entrepreneurship development in plant protectionTechnologies those reduce the cost of production and increase the benefit of the farmers will open new opportunities.

New technologies that are simple and time saving and keep away farmers from drudgery of labour will also provide opportunity for entrepreneurship.

Technologies that provide social and psychological benefits to farmers will also provide opportunity for entrepreneurship in pest management

Depending upon the geographical situation and resources availability, the possible areas of entrepreneurship in pest management are:

Dealer in pesticides,

Supplier and producer to bio control agents,

Formulator of botanical pesticides,

Sales and service agent in plant protection equipments,

Consulting and renting agents and Pest control consultantOn farm Activities

Dealer in pesticides

The import, manufacture, sale, transport, distribution and use of pesticides is regulated by the Insecticides Act of 1968. The rules of the Act make the registration of pesticides at the central level mandatory. Under the Act, it is also important to obtain license for manufacture, formulation, sale or exhibition of pesticides from the respective State Governments.

To effectively enforce the Insecticides Act, the Central Insecticides Board and the Registration Committee has been constituted at the central level.The Central Insecticides Board provides a range of online services such as a product directory, a crop wise directory and related statistics.. Click here for information http://india.gov.in/outerwin.php?id=http://agricoop.nic.in/ppact68.htm

Supplier and producer to bio control agentsIn nature every ecosystem exists in a balance. Growth and multiplication of each organism depends on the food-chain, its predetors, parasites, etc.

In biological control system, these interrelations are exploited. The natural enemy of a pest, disease or weed is selected, its biology is studied for mass multiplication and utilize the same to check the target pest.

Among the alternatives, biological control of pests is one of the important means for checking pest problems in almost all agro-ecological situations.

Bio pesticidesare living organisms which can intervene the life cycle of insect pests in such a way that the crop damage is minimized

The agents employed as biopesticides, include parasites, predetors and disease causing fungi, bacteria and viruses, which are the natural enemies of pests. Further, they complement and supplement other methods of pest control. Utilisation of naturally occurring parasites, predators and pathogens for pest control is a classical biological control.

On the other hand, these bio agents can be conserved, preserved and multiplied under Laboratory condition for field release.

Once these bio-agents are introduced in the field to build their population considerably, they are capable of bringing down the targeted pest' population below economic threshold level (ETL).

However, the crux lies in their mass production and application at the appropriate time.

What are Biopesticides

Bio pesticidesare living organisms which can intervene the life cycle of insect pests in such a way that the crop damage is minimized. The agents employed as biopesticides are parasites, predetors, fungi, bacteria and viruses which are natural enemies of pests. These bio agents can be conserved, preserved and multiplied under laboratory condition for field release.

ParasitoidsPredatorsInsect PathogensTrichogramma chilonis, T.brasiliensis and T.pretiosum (egg parasites) - for tomato fruit borerTrichogramma chilonis - for brinjal shoot and fruit borer, shoot borers of cotton, sugarcane, rice etc.Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Austrtralian ladybird beetle) for control of several species of mealy bugs and soft scalesChrysopa spp. (green lacewing bug) - for the control of aphids, white flies etc.Virus: Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus (NPV) - for major polyphagous pest like Helicoverpa armigera (gram pod borer) and Spodoptera litura (Tobacco caterpillar)Bacteria: Bacillus thuringiences (B.t) - for control of lepidopterous pestsFungi:Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma harziarum against soil borne fungal diseasesNamatodes :for control of soil-borne grubs, lepidopterans and some foliar pests

Major types of bio-agents available for commercial production

Bio-agentProduction Process in briefRemarksi.Trichogramma spp. (egg parasite)Mass multiplied by using stored grain pest as a host. The production involves the multiplication of host insect on sorghum grains, allowed to be parasitized by trichogramma. Then egg are clued in cards as "tricho cards".Used for control of sugarcane early shoot borer, bollworms of cotton, sorghum stem borer.ii. Crysoperla carnea (Chrysopid predetor)Mass multiplied in laboratory on the eggs of stored grain pest.Controls larval pests in pulses, vegetables /fruitsiii. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Ladybird beetle)Mass multiplied on already mass multiplied mealy bugs with the help of pumpkin as under laboratory conditions..to control mealy bugs especially on fruits.i. NPV of Helocoverpa armigera & Spodoptera lituraThe production starts with raising of pod borer and tobacco caterpillar larvae (host culture) on semi-synthetic diet. NP Virus is smeared on cultured larvae. Then the diseased larvae are collected to obtain virus suspension after blending, filtration, centrifugation.Used against boll worms in cotton and pod borers.ii. Trichoderma Fungal spp.Multiplied in laboratory and formulated in powder form with the help of carrier material (talc powder).To control root rot and wilt diseases especially on pulses.iii. Pheromone lures for Helicoverpa armigera & Spodoptera lituraSex pheromones are filled into plastic lures at required concentration with the help of micro pippets and placed into rubber septa. The septa is fixed to the trap.To trap reproductive males of gram pod borer and tobacco caterpillar.

Trichogramma egg parasiteTrichogramma spp. belongs to the category of egg parasitoid of biological agents. Trichogramma spp., the most widely used bio-control agent in the world and is effective against bollworms of cotton, stem borers of sugarcane, fruit borers of fruits and vegetables. It attacks the pest at the egg stage itself and hence damage done by larvae is avoided.

It offers a lower cost but more effective plant protection option in comparison to insecticides. Two species i.e., T. chilonis and T. japonicum are predominantly used in India.

Trichogramma are dark coloured tiny wasps and the female wasp lays 20-40 eggs into the host's eggs.

The entire cycle is completed within 8-12 days. The tiny adult wasps search for the host (pest) eggs in the field and lay their eggs into the eggs of the pests.

Chrysopid predetorsChrysopid predators are important for the management of bollworms and aphids in cotton and tobacco and several sucking pests in fruit crops.

They are capable of bringing down the population of the pest drastically. Chrysoperla (Chrysoperla carnea) is a potential chrysopid, which is also amenable to mass multiplication.Chrysoperla are generally green in colour, varying in length from 1.0-1.3 cm.

The pre-oviposition period lasts 3 to 7 days. Adults start laying eggs from 5th day onwards and peak egg-laying period is between 9 and 23 days after emergence. The male longevity is 30-35 days. Adult female lay eggs of 600-800 eggs/female on an average.

The eggs are stalked and green in colour. The eggs are laid singly or in clusters. Egg stage lasts 3-4 days. The larva has 3 instars and after 8-10 days it will form cocoons. Adult emerges in 5-7 days from cocoons.

Australian ladybird beetle, (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri)Mealybugs are serious pests on fruits, vegetables, ornamentals and plantation crops.

Besides causing direct loss to the plants they also reduce market value of infested fruits.

The extent of damage may go upto 70 percent in severe infestation. Lady bird beetle, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri introduced from Australia is a potential bio control agent and is being utilized on many crops in Southern India.

Mealybugs or scale insects constitute the natural food of certain ladybird beetles.

The adult beetles as well as their larvae (grubs) seek the pests and feed voraciously on all stages.

They often wipe out the entire pest colonies.

The lady bird beetles are being used for suppression of mealy bugs in citrus, coffee, grapes, guava, ornamental and a variety of other crops.

Production of Ha NPV and SI NPVBaculovirus group have a very narrow host range and generally infests the larvae of crop pests.

The research aimed at insect pest control is, therefore, confined to nuclear polyhedrosis viruses (NPVs) and granular viruses (GVs).

In India, extensive research has been conducted on the use of NPVs for tackling two major pests namely Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera.

Nuclear Polyhedrosis viruses like Ha NPV, SINPV are increasingly being used as alternatives to chemicals.

Considering the usefulness of NPV's there has been a growing demand amongst the farmers for these bioagents

Tobacco Caterpillar, Spodoptera litura

Spodoptera litura commonly known as tobacco caterpillar, is a polyphageous pest.

It is a serious pest of tobacco nurseries and also a sporadic pest of cauliflower, cabbage, castor, cotton, groundnut, potato and lucerne. It causes serious crop losses.

SI NPV

The virus is specific and infects only Tobacco Caterpillar. NPV can be successfully multiplied on tobacco caterpillar and the viral extraction can be applied in the field to control the caterpillar.

For continuous production of SI NPV, it is necessary to rear Tobacco Caterpillar larvae continuously in a lab condition.

Gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera

It is widely distributed in India and infests/damages a variety of cultivated and wild plants throughout its distribution range.

It is a serious pest on commercial crop like cotton; pulses like redgram and bengal gram; vegetables like tomato, bhendi and dolichos bean; oilseeds like sunflower, soybean and safflower and cereals like sorghum and maize.

Ha NPV

Ha NPV is a highly infective microbial biopesticide which can be used to control Gram borer.

It is derived from naturally diseased or under laboratory conditions artificially infected larvae of gram borer.

Mass production of Trichoderma fungiCrop losses due to soil borne plant pathogens worldwide are Pythium spp., Furarium oxysporum, sclerotium rolfsii, Rhizoctonia solani and Phytophthora spp.

These fungi pathogens generally cause wilt disease in many crops.

Trichoderma, a fungi, which grow saprophytically in soils have proved as an effective biocontrol agent of wilt diseases.

Trichoderma spp. are commonly found in almost any soil and other natural habitats consisting of organic matter such as decaying bark, plant material, etc.

They grow trophically towards hyphae of other pathogenic fungi, coil them and degrade their cell walls. This process is called "mycoparasitism", which limits the growth and activity of plant pathogenic fungi

The important species available for mass production are Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma harzianum

Sex pheromone traps of Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera lituraSex pheromones are single or complex blend of different chemicals released by one insect to attract the opposite sex of the same species.

In general, females (especially the moths) emit sex attractants to attract males for mating.

Sex pheromones are artificially synthesized in the laboratories and supplied as sex pheromone lures.

Such pheromones are placed in the field to attract trap and kill the males, thus matting is not allowed.

Ready-to-use Sex pheromone lures and traps are available for Helicoverpa armigera (attacking crops like cotton, redgram, tomato, okra, sunflower, chillies, maize, sorghum etc.) and spodoptera litura (attacking crops like tobacco, groundnut, sunflower, cotton, cabbage, beetroot, cauliflower, etc.)

Production of Pheromone TrapsSex pheromones are insect specific, produced artificially in laboratories and they are generally imported.

In India, it is available from National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune. Chemicals obtained from laboratory is diluted to the required dosage and filled into plastic lures with the help of micro pippets and closed with rubber septa.

Lures are individually sachet packed and should be stored under refrigerated conditions when not in use.Formulator of botanical pesticidesBased on the availability of botanicals such as neem, karanj, Melia and Madhuca at the farm level we can go for self sustaining pest management.

Since the neem based formulation are effective against sucking pests, fruit borers and leaf folders its all so known as panacea tree.

The large scale or commercial production of neem based formulation is very simple and establishing an firm based on neem based formulation unit is an viable option for new entrepreneur.

Production technology of different Neem formulationNeem seed kernal Extract (NSKE) 5%

5Kgs of Neem seeds dried under shade with good quality can be powdered

Powder can be packed in cloth and keep in 10 litres of water for 10-12 hrs

Extract the decoction by pressing the cloth pack for 10-15 min

Filter this solution through a thin cloth

Add 100 g of detergent powder to the filtered solution

Add 100 litres of water to the solution and spray it in 1 acre during evening time

Neem oilGenerally Neem oil is available in the market. Pure Neem oil can be used in pest control .5% solution of Neem oil is effective in pest control (5ml of neem oil in 1lt water and 100lts of solution can be used for one acre).As Neem oil is insoluble in water, made 100g detergent solution and add to this solution. This will act as spreading agent.Depending on pest intensity spray 100-150 lts of solution.

To provide guidance and consultancy services for control of various pests and diseases, nematodes and weeds at reasonable costs to farmers.

To undertake regular visits, provide prescriptions/advice, respond to enquiries in case of need (like epidemics), as also undertake control operations at reasonable charges using their own equipment and inputs.

To undertake plant protection services as a package deal, from seed to harvest, with agreement with the farmers.

Advice/prescriptions on plant protection, rodent control, control of pests in stored grain and fumigation etc.

Taking up spray services in farmers' fields on crops and houses, etc

Special services like control of Rodents/control of plant epidemics, etc. Renting of plant protection services and equipments for routine farm operationSales and service agent in plant protection equipments

An Entrepreneur is an individual with knowledge, skills, initiative, drive and spirit of innovation who aims at achieving goals.

Agri Entrepreneur is defined as generally sustainable, community oriented, directly marketed agriculture.

Technologies those reduce the cost of production and increase the benefit of the farmers will open new opportunities.

Technologies that provide social and psychological benefits to farmers will also provide opportunity for entrepreneurship in pest management

Depending upon the geographical situation and resources availability, the possible areas of entrepreneurship in pest management are: Dealer in pesticides, Supplier and producer to bio control agents, Formulator of botanical pesticides, Sales and service agent in plant protection equipments and Consulting and renting agents and Pest control consultant

Summary

To becoming and dealer in pesticides the protocol given by Insecticides Act of 1968 should be followed

To effectively enforce the Insecticides Act, the Central Insecticides Board and the Registration Committee has been constituted at the central level.

The Central Insecticides Board provides a range of online services such as a product directory, a crop wise directory and related statistics

The natural enemy of a pest, disease or weed is selected, its biology is studied for mass multiplication and utilize the same to check the target pest.

The agents employed as biopesticides, include parasites, predetors and disease causing fungi, bacteria and viruses, which are the natural enemies of pests.

Bio pesticidesare living organisms which can intervene the life cycle of insect pests in such a way that the crop damage is minimized.

There are different types of bio-agents such as egg parasitoids, Trichogramma chilonis, T. brasiliensis and T.pretiosum (egg parasites) - for tomato fruit borer. Trichogramma chilonis - for brinjal shoot and fruit borer, shoot borers of cotton, sugarcane, rice etc

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and Chrysopa spp. Used for controling of several species of mealy bugs and soft scales

Insect pathogen : Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus (NPV) - for major polyphagous pest like Helicoverpa armigera (gram pod borer) and Spodoptera litura (Tobacco caterpillar). Bacillus thuringiences (B.t) - for control of lepidopterous pests. Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma harziarum against soil borne fungal diseases and Namatodes :for control of soil-borne grubs, lepidopterans and some foliar pests.

Sex pheromones are insect specific, produced artificially in National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune. It can be obtained from laboratory and diluted to the required dosage and filled into plastic lures with the help of micro pippets and closed with rubber septa. Lures are individually sachet packed and should be stored under refrigerated conditions when not in use.

Based on the availability of botanicals such as Neem, Karanj, Melia and Mahuca at the farm level we can go for self sustaining pest management.

To undertake plant protection services as a package deal, from seed to harvest, with agreement with the farmers.

Advice/prescriptions on plant protection, rodent control, control of pests in stored grain and fumigation etc.