Ayushi Dole, Dr. Subuhi Nishad, Dr. P.K.Sangode
Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, I.G.K.V., Raipur
Program officer NSS girls unit , IGKV Raipur (C.G.)
NSS Coordinator , I.G.K.V., Raipur (C.G.) 

Abstract: Crop damage caused by rodents possess significant challenge for farmers in Chhattisgarh, leading to financial losses and food insecurity. Traditional methods of controlling these rodents often involve harmful practices that disrupt the ecosystem. . The most common approach to rodent control among farmers has been the use of chemical rodenticides due to their cost-effectiveness and immediate results. This awareness program aims to educate farmers on sustainable and humane techniques to protect their crops without harming wildlife and sustainable disposal of rodenticide. The program includes training sessions, demonstrations, and the promotion of eco-friendly solutions such as biological repellents, physical barriers, and community-driven deterrent techniques. By integrating indigenous knowledge with modern innovations, this initiative seeks to create a balanced approach to agriculture. The ultimate goal is to empower farmers with effective, ethical, and practical methods to safeguard their crops while preserving biodiversity.

Keywords: Awareness program, Crop, Rodent, Farmer, Non-lethal

Introduction
Agricultural losses due to rodents pose significant challenges to farmers worldwide. Crop yield losses usually range from 5–15% in most countries (Singleton G.R., 2003, Singleton et al., 1994). Rodent management is an essential aspect of modern agriculture, as rodents pose a significant threat to crop production, food storage, and farmers' livelihoods. The most common approach to rodent control among farmers has been the use of chemical rodenticides due to their cost-effectiveness and immediate results. However, improper disposal of these toxic substances poses serious environmental and health risks, including contamination of soil and water, poisoning of non-target species, and potential harm to human health (Meerburg et al., 2009). Despite the widespread use of rodenticides, there is limited awareness among farmers regarding non lethal rodent control and their environmental implications. Traditional control methods, such as poisoning, often lead to unintended consequences, including environmental pollution, harm to non-target species, and ethical concerns (Singleton et al., 2021). To tackle these challenges, safe disposal of rodenticides and non-lethal control strategies offer a sustainable alternative by mitigating human-wildlife conflict while maintaining ecological balance.

Rodenticide and their effects on environment
Rodents, particularly rats (Rattus rattus) and bandicoots (Bandicota bengalensis), are responsible for up to 20-30% pre-harvest and post-harvest losses in some Indian states (Kaur M and Singla N, 2021). These pests damage stored grains, contaminate food supplies, and contribute to economic losses amounting to billions of rupees annually .Squirrels (Funambulus spp.) pose additional challenges, particularly in orchards and plantations, where they consume fruits, nuts, and grains, significantly reducing farmers’ profits (Chakravarthy, 2020). Rodenticides and chemical deterrents often have far-reaching impacts on the environment. Secondary poisoning occurs when non-target species, such as birds of prey, domestic animals, and beneficial predators like snakes, consume poisoned rodents, leading to biodiversity loss (Mishra et al., 2021). Furthermore, excessive use of rodenticides can contaminate soil, groundwater, and food chains, posing risks to both wildlife and human health (Gupta A. and Ninave). Therefore safe disopal of rodenticide is necessary. Farmers, therefore, need alternative, sustainable, and humane methods to mitigate wildlife-related crop losses.

Safe rodenticide disposal and non lethal alternatives
Growing emphasis on sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation, there is a pressing need to enhance farmers' knowledge of both safe rodenticide disposal and non-lethal alternatives. Farmers pest control strategies and subsequent behavior may be governed by experiences and attitudes throughout their agricultural careers. Experiential factors, which can be based on a single or series of events, can predicate emotion and subjectivity. These emotions may then supersede rationality for decision-making (Jacobs M.H., 2012). For example, a negative experience with wildlife may facilitate strong adverse emotions thereby affecting decisions related to conservation and management (Larson et al., 2015). Pertaining to agricultural behaviors, (Petway et al. 2019) determined that the experience and community patterns based on a survey conducted in western Taiwan . It has been posited that in order to design and implement changes to pest management, effective farmers' awareness programs can help bridge this gap by educating farmers on sustainable methods, training them regarding safe disposal of rodenticides, implementing non-lethal techniques, and promoting community-led conservation efforts (Kumar & Sharma, 2021)

Advantages of non-lethal rodent control over rodenticides
Non-lethal rodent control methods are superior to rodenticides in several ways. They eliminate the risk of secondary poisoning in beneficial wildlife and pets, making them a safer alternative (Constant et al., 2020). Unlike chemical solutions, non-lethal methods such as trapping and habitat modification do not contribute to pesticide resistance among rodent populations. Additionally, these methods are often more sustainable and easier to integrate into existing agricultural practices, reducing dependency on external chemical inputs (Hill & Wallace 2018)

Promotion of non lethal techniques among farmers
  • Mesh Fencing and Barriers: Wire fences are constructed of metal wires woven together forming a physical barrier. The fences are effective, long-lasting, and require relatively little maintenance. However, they are expensive and recommended only for the protection of high-value crops.
  • Solar-Powered Scare Devices: Another innovative solution is the use of solar-powered scare devices. These devices, equipped with motion sensors, emit high-pitched sounds or flashing lights when animals come near. The devices were designed to be eco-friendly, powered by solar energy, and harmless to the animals.
  • Reducing the bund width: Reducing the bund width in field can combat Bandicota sp. And rodents.
  • Barn Owls for Rodent Control: The state agriculture department, under its extension programs, facilitated the installation of owl nest boxes on participating farms. Barn owls, known for their ability to hunt and control rodent populations, were introduced as natural predators.
  • Chili peppers: the chemical Capsaicin makes chili peppers hot; an excellent repellent against elephants, monkeys, squirrels, and some other wild animals; farmers who plant chili peppers will also benefit from an extra source of income.
  • Chili Pepper Spray: Farmers can prepare a solution by mixing crushed chili peppers with water and a small amount of soap to help the mixture adhere to surfaces. Spraying this solution on crops creates a barrier that is unappealing to monkeys and rodents, thereby reducing crop damage. This method has been documented as effective in deterring various pests.
  • Lavender, soybean, peas, and beans are excellent repellents against rabbits and are also an additional source of income.
  • Castor oil: is a natural repellent that keeps away burrowing animals such as moles.
Farmers awareness regarding government schemes for rodent management

1. State-Level Agricultural Extension Programs : The state government, through the Department of Agriculture, has launched various agricultural extension programs that focus on educating farmers about eco-friendly pest management techniques. These programs encourage the use of natural predators, such as barn owls, and promote the installation of bird perches, which can help control rodent populations.

2.Chhattisgarh State Wildlife Protection Scheme : As part of its commitment to wildlife conservation, Chhattisgarh's Forest Department offers various subsidies under the Chhattisgarh State Wildlife Protection Scheme. This scheme aims to balance the needs of agriculture with wildlife conservation. It supports farmers in mitigating damage caused by wildlife, including monkeys and rodents, through the promotion of non-lethal deterrents, such as fencing, scare devices, and habitat management practices. The scheme offers subsidies for wildlife-friendly practices that protect crops while preserving local biodiversity.

3. Rodent and Wildlife Management Support under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) : Under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), farmers are eligible for financial assistance for pest control, including the protection of crops from rodents and monkeys.

4. Krishi Anudan Yojana (Agriculture Grant Scheme) : The Krishi Anudan Yojana, another important state-level scheme, provides subsidies for the installation of crop protection systems. Farmers in Chhattisgarh are encouraged to install physical barriers such as fencing, wire mesh, or other deterrent technologies to safeguard their crops from wildlife, including monkeys and rodents

Conclusion
Raising awareness among farmers about non lethal rodent control , safe disposal of rodenticides is essential for promoting sustainable agriculture and protecting environmental and public health. Non-lethal methods for rodent control offer a sustainable approach for maintaining ecological balance. Many farmers lack adequet knowledge about the harmful effects of improper rodenticide use and disposal , leading to soil and water contamination, harm to non target species. However, increasing farmer awareness and accessibility to these methods is crucial for widespread adoption. Strengthening education, community involvement, and government support will be key to ensuring the long-term success of non-lethal management strategies.

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