Integrated Pest Management (IPM) refers to the careful consideration of all available plant protection methods and the subsequent integration of appropriate measures that discourage the development of harmful organisms. To minimise risks to human health and the environment, the use of Plant protection products (PPP’s) and other forms of intervention must be kept to levels that are economically and ecologically justified. The ultimate goal of IPM is to produce a healthy crop with the least amount of interruption to agro ecosystems while promoting alternative pest control methods.

The main objective of adopting IPM approach is to maintain good yields in crop production while reducing some of the negative effects that may be caused by excessive use of certain chemicals.

The IPM approach involves the identification of pests as well as the assessment of the damage that these may lead to. Intervention/s methods through IPM should preferably be physical, mechanical and/or biological, and it is then when chemical treatments should be considered to avoid crop losses. In this way, IPM proves to be an effective pest management practice in preventing and controlling pests and diseases outbreaks without the use of excessive pesticides that may be of detriment to the environment economically viable through crop production.

Through IPM, AgriConnect strives to enhance the sustainability and resilience of agricultural operations by providing guidelines for farmers to follow. This contributes to a better pests and diseases control regime and avoiding chemical build up resistance. For an effective IPM strategy, the understanding of the local environmental conditions is of upmost importance.

Please click here to access these guidelines.