Socioeconomic constraints in implementing integrated pest management (IPM) in crops and solutions for sustainability

Title : Socioeconomic constraints in implementing integrated pest management (IPM) in crops and solutions for sustainability

Abstract:

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in horticultural crops faces persistent socioeconomic and technical challenges, including high costs of adoption, limited access to information and technology, farmer resistance to shifting from conventional practices, weak marketing linkages, and the lack of reliable economic thresholds. Additional barriers include poor pest identification, limited biological control options, and insufficient extension support.This study suggests a digitally enabled, scalable IPM framework to address these barriers through three integrated components:
(1) An Interactive Knowledge Platform offering region-specific pest identification tools, decision-support systems, and curated IPM guidelines. 
(2) A Community-Based Extension Network facilitating peer-to-peer learning, expert consultation, and collective economic threshold monitoring and
(3) Real-Time Weather-Based Agro-Advisories guided by the RRR principle (Right Time – Right Activity – Right Place), enabling precise interventions aligned with local conditions. The framework reduces information asymmetries, lowers implementation costs, supports predictive pest management, and strengthens institutional mechanisms, representing a paradigm shift toward resilient, technology-driven IPM adoption.
Keywords: IPM, Socioeconomic Constraints, Digital Agriculture, Technology Adoption, Mobile-Based Platforms, Weather-Smart Agriculture, RRR Principle

Biography:

Prof.Shashi vemuri had Ph.D in agricultural Entomology with specialization in Insect Toxicology and Pesticide Residues, was Formerly Senior Professor/ and university head of entomology at PJTSAU with more than 38 years experience in different capacities as Professor/ Researcher and Extension scientist, Administrator, Head of the Research Centres and Extension centres He participated in various international and National conferences, workshops and has excellent links with many ICAR and State Universities, Universities abroad and leading MNCs. He is a globally travelled Agricultural professional and has strong professional relationships with policy makers, Administrators, farmers organizations and Agribusiness sector with a thorough understanding of the complex socio-economic, political, cultural and environmental aspects of Agriculture in India and other major agrarian economies across the world.. He was a Guide, advisor, mentor for many budding agricultural scientists. His contribution to crop protection, pesticide residues, insect toxicology and innovative methods of farming are widely recognized. He has worked for and with CIMMYT, Mexico on breeding for Insect Resistance. Worked with ICAR, SAU, WWF International ICRISAT, Major farmers organizations and federations as a Collaborator, contributor and Researcher and with the farmers on innovative technologies in sugarcane, Potato, Ginger and Turmeric.