This story is from about a year ago. It is about Rahmat Ali, a poor farmer from Kumarkhali Upazila in Kushtia district. He makes his living by cultivating leased land. He decided to lease a bigha of raised land near his home to plant chili saplings. As chili prices had been high for the past three years, he took out a loan at a high interest rate from a microcredit organization, hoping to make a higher profit by planting chili. With plenty of sun, light, and water, the saplings grew rapidly. Soon the plants began to bloom, and he eagerly awaited the shiny green spicy chilies. But one day, he noticed a layer of white cotton-like substance on the stems, leaves, and flowers of the plants. Before he could make sense of the situation, this unknown cottony disease spread throughout his entire field in just a few days. The plants began to wilt. The desperate farmer contacted the Upazila Agricultural Extension Officer.
After inspecting the crop field, the officer explained that the chili plants had been attacked by mealybugs. Mealybug infestation refers to the attack of harmful insects on various fruit and forest trees, which weakens the plants and reduces yields. These insects look like white cotton and feed by sucking sap from the leaves and stems. They can infect the crops on several acres of land in a very short time.
Signs of Infestation:
1. A white, cotton-like layer appears on the plant’s leaves, stems, and flowers.
2. The plant becomes weak and the leaves fall off.
3. Buds and young fruits dry up and small fruits drop prematurely.
4. Often ants are seen with the insects, which protect the mealybugs.
Prevention Methods:
▪️Natural Methods
1. Spray neem oil (5-10 ml per liter of water).
2. Prune and destroy infected leaves and tips.
3. Spray water mixed with soap (detergent or liquid shampoo).
▪️Chemical Methods:
1. First, spray chlorpyrifos and, after 3-4 days, a carbaryl-type insecticide.
2. Use insecticides containing imidacloprid or acetamiprid.
If the mealybug infestation is severe, the plants can even die, so it is urgent to take immediate action.
By following the measures suggested by the Agricultural Extension Officer, the poor farmer Rahmat Ali was saved from a major loss. And in turn, our economy was protected as well. Otherwise, everyone would have had to pay 300-500 taka per kilogram for chili again this year. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, so everyone must be proactive in taking necessary steps to protect it and raise awareness.
We will protect
the agriculture of tomorrow.
Tahsin Ahmed Supti
Bachelor’s (Honors), 2nd Year, Department of Botany
National University.
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