Neem-Shampoo Remedy: Farmers Fight Sticky Pests Threatening Mustard Crops

• Changing weather and humidity are causing a rapid spread of 'maahu' (aphid) pests on mustard crops in North India.
• Aphids, small white insects, suck sap from mustard plants, hindering growth and affecting flower and fruit formation, potentially reducing yield.
• Dr. I.K. Kushwaha recommends an indigenous remedy: a mixture of neem oil (10,000 PPM) and shampoo.
• To prepare, mix 1 ml neem oil per liter of water (e.g., 100 ml for 100 liters) and add three shampoo sachets.
• Spray the mixture on mustard crops during the afternoon after inspecting for aphid clusters, ensuring it doesn't harm beneficial insects or pollination.

Why It Matters: Farmers can effectively combat maahu pests on mustard crops using a simple neem oil and shampoo spray.