Pulse Crops Under Threat: Semiloopers, Pod Borers Can Destroy Yield; Farmers Alerted

• February is a critical month for pulse crops like chickpea, pea, and lentil due to increased pest and disease attacks.
• Semiloopers and pod borers are highly active, causing significant damage by cutting leaves and boring into pods.
• Agricultural expert Dr. Hadi Hussain Khan recommends spraying Azadirachtin (neem oil) for control, mixing 5 liters with 500-600 liters of water per hectare.
• For severe pod borer infestation, Fenvalerate dust (20-25 kg per hectare) is advised.
• Proper timing and technique are crucial: dust powdered pesticides in the morning and spray liquid ones in the evening, always adding a sticker for better efficacy.

Why It Matters: Farmers must monitor pulse crops closely in February and apply timely, correct pest control measures to prevent yield loss.