Jaimala Barwa, Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Entomology
College of Agriculture, IGKV, Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
Subuhi Nishad, Program Officer NSS Girls Unit,
College of Agriculture, IGKV, Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
Abstract:
The present study was conducted by the NSS Girls’ Unit of Collage of Agriculture (IGKV), Raipur, Chhattisgarh, to assess farmer awareness and adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for controlling the rice panicle mite (Steneotarsonemus spinki). This pest has emerged as a significant threat to rice production in several Asian countries, including India, due to its negative impact on grain quality and yield. The study was carried out during the 2024–2025 period in Raipur district and involved a structured survey of 80 farmers across four villages. The primary objective was to evaluate farmers' knowledge of panicle mite infestation, the extent of IPM adoption, and the key challenges faced in implementing these practices. Survey findings indicated a low level of awareness regarding the rice panicle mite and limited use of IPM techniques among the respondents. Most farmers relied on conventional chemical pesticides, often without proper diagnosis. The main barriers identified were lack of training, inadequate access to biopesticides and resistant varieties, and weak extension services.
The study emphasizes the urgent need for farmer-focused awareness programs, hands-on IPM training, and improved access to eco-friendly pest control options. Strengthening collaboration between agricultural departments, extension agencies, and village-level institutions is essential to enhance IPM adoption. Promoting sustainable pest management practices is vital to reduce crop losses and ensure long-term rice productivity in the region.
Keywords: Rice panicle mite, Integrated pest management, Awareness, Adoption, Barriers, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
Introduction
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) serves as a staple food for a significant portion of the global population. The emergence of the rice panicle mite (Steneotarsonemus spinki Smiley) poses a serious threat to rice cultivation, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Symptoms include chaffy grains, deformed panicles, and fungal infections, significantly impacting yield. In India, and specifically in Raipur district, Chhattisgarh, the pest has garnered increasing attention due to its growing prevalence and the lack of farmer preparedness. This study investigates the awareness levels, IPM adoption rates, and barriers hindering the adoption of IPM among local rice farmers.
The National Service Scheme (NSS) serves as a valuable platform for students to participate in social work and contribute to community development. This article presents an overview of a farmer awareness campaign on the rice panicle mite, organized by the NSS Girls’ Unit of Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV), Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The campaign aimed to educate local villagers about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for effective pest control in rice cultivation.
2. Materials and Methods:
The study was carried out in the Chhattisgarh plains Raipur district across four villages: Banarsi, Dharampura, Jora, and Pirda. A total of 80 farmers were selected randomly, 20 from each village. Data were collected through personal interviews using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed demographics, awareness of panicle mites, knowledge and adoption of IPM practices, and barriers to implementation.
3. Results and Discussion:
3.1 Awareness of Rice Panicle Mite Infestation
Table 3.1. Awareness among Farmers about Rice Panicle Mite and IPM
|
Awareness Category |
Yes (%) |
No (%) |
|
Awareness of Panicle Mite |
43.75 |
56.25 |
|
Awareness of IPM |
37.5 |
62.5 |
Less than half of the farmers surveyed had knowledge about the rice panicle mite and IPM methods, indicating a significant information gap.
Many farmers failed to recognize the symptoms such as peeping panicles, twisted grains, and leaf lesions. Gender-wise, male farmers showed slightly higher awareness levels compared to females.
3.2 Adoption of IPM Practices
Table 3.2. Adoption Rates of Various IPM Practices
|
S.
No. |
IPM
Practice |
Most
Often (%) |
Often
(%) |
Sometimes
(%) |
Rarely
(%) |
Never
(%) |
|
1 |
Monitoring
fields |
37.5 |
25 |
22.5 |
12.5 |
2.5 |
|
2 |
Use of
resistant varieties |
30 |
27.5 |
25 |
12.5 |
5 |
|
3 |
Need-based
pesticide use |
35 |
32.5 |
20 |
8.75 |
3.75 |
|
4 |
Field
hygiene |
27.5 |
22.5 |
30 |
12.5 |
7.5 |
|
5 |
Biological
control |
15 |
15 |
17.5 |
20 |
32.5 |
|
6 |
Neem-based
pesticides |
22.5 |
25 |
27.5 |
12.5 |
12.5 |
|
7 |
Water
management |
23.75 |
26.25 |
30 |
12.5 |
7.5 |
While practices such as field monitoring and timely sowing were relatively more common, critical methods like biological control and record-keeping were adopted the least, showing the need for better training and outreach.
Farmers who participated in awareness programs were more likely to apply IPM strategies.
3.3 Barriers to IPM Adoption
Table 3.3. Barriers to Adoption of IPM
|
S. No. |
Barrier |
No. of Respondents |
Percentage (%) |
|
1 |
Lack of awareness |
43 |
53.3 |
|
2 |
Preference for quick pesticide results |
37 |
46.7 |
|
3 |
Limited availability of IPM inputs |
33 |
41.1 |
|
4 |
Insufficient training |
31 |
38.9 |
|
5 |
Absence of practical demonstrations |
27 |
33.3 |
|
6 |
Difficulty in applying IPM |
25 |
31.1 |
|
7 |
High cost or time requirement |
20 |
24.4 |
|
8 |
Lack of trust in non-chemical methods |
16 |
20.0 |
|
9 |
No expert consultation |
15 |
18.9 |
|
10 |
Delayed pest identification |
14 |
17.8 |
The main obstacles to IPM adoption were lack of awareness, preference for chemical pesticides, and limited access to training and resources, emphasizing the need for strong extension and support systems.
These findings highlight the necessity for practical, accessible, and localized extension education.
Conclusion
This study found that awareness and adoption of IPM strategies for rice panicle mite are critically low among farmers in Raipur district. While some practices like timely sowing and resistant variety use are moderately followed, biological and cultural practices are underutilized.
There is an urgent need for targeted training, field demonstrations, and visual education tools to bridge the knowledge and practice gap. Engaging youth and men—who showed more interest during awareness drives—can further enhance IPM implementation.
Recommendations
- Organize regular IPM training and demonstration sessions.
- Conduct IPM awareness programs in villages.
- Distribute educational materials in local languages.
- Promote peer-to-peer knowledge sharing among farmers.
- Improve supply chains for biopesticides and resistant rice varieties.
- Supply affordable biopesticides like neem formulations.
- Collaborate with KVKs and agricultural extension agencies.
- Use mobile advisory apps or WhatsApp groups for pest alerts.
- Engage youth and women for inclusive participation.
 |
| Fig. 1. Visit to rice field of farmers and social gathering area to aware about rice panicle mites and their IPM practices |
Acknowledgements
The author extends heartfelt gratitude to the NSS Unit of the College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV), Raipur, Chhattisgarh, as well as to the participating farmers and local agricultural departments for their cooperation and support. Special thanks are due to Dr. Subuhi Nishad (Programme Officer), Dr. G.K. Das (Dean), and Dr. Sanjay Sharma (Dean of Student Welfare) for their valuable guidance and continuous encouragement throughout the campaign.
References
Hummel, N.A., Castro, B.A., Mcdonald, E.M., Pellerano, M.A. and Ochoa, R., 2009. The Panicle Rice Mite, Steneotarsonemus Spinki Smiley, A Re-discovered Pest of Rice in The United States. Crop Protection, 28(7):547-560.
Kayal, S., Karmakar, K. And De Moraes, G.J., 2024. Sources of Infestation of The Rice Sheath Mite, Steneotarsonemus Spinki Smiley (Acari: Tarsonemidae), In West Bengal, India. International Journal of Pest Management., 70(3):357-363.
Navia D, Mendonca R.S., Melo, De Lamp., 2005 Steneotarsonemus Spinki - An Invasive Tarsonemid Mite Threatening Rice crops in South America. Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany. Embrapa Recurosos Geneticos E Biotechnologia., 267-268.
Sharma S. 2016. Panicle rice mite – an emerging pest in Chhattisgarh Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (CG), ICAR_IIRR Newsletter, 14(1):11.
Srinivasa N, Prabhakara H, Mallik B. 2004. Rice Sheath Mite Steneotarsonemus Spinki Smiley (Acari: Tarsonemidae) -A Status Paper. AINP Agricultural Acarology, Bangalore. 24.
0 Comments