Integrated Pest Management: A Smarter Way to Protect Our Crops
Hello readers! 👋 Welcome to my very first post on this blog dedicated to the fascinating world of insects, pests, and the science that protects our crops! I’m Anka Pujitha, an entomology enthusiast passionate about sustainable agriculture. Today, let’s explore an approach that’s changing the way we manage pests — Integrated Pest Management (IPM). 🌿 What is IPM? Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a science-based, eco-friendly method that combines different strategies to control pests effectively — while minimizing risks to farmers, consumers, and the environment. Instead of relying only on chemical pesticides, IPM uses a smart combination of methods : Cultural (e.g., crop rotation) Biological (e.g., using beneficial insects) Mechanical (e.g., traps, barriers) Chemical (only when absolutely needed, and in a targeted way) 🐛 Why is IPM important? Reduces pesticide use Protects beneficial insects like pollinators Prevents pest resistance Ens...