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AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION
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PESTS
There are various pests of crops, which are described in the
account that follows. The pests of cotton and groundnut have
been described earlier. The damage done by different pests cannot
be estimated accurately, as its extent depends upon the severity of
infestation in any particular year. The remedial measures mentioned against different pests described below are such as may be adopted by the cultivators at minimum cost.
Of chillies.
Murda.
Murda, chillies thrips (anaphothrips dorsalis Hood). The pest sucks the sap of the leaves and stems and thus causes reduction in
size. In the case of irrigated crop, farmers, prefer spray of either 0.2 per cent D. D. T. or BHC (Benzene Hexachloride). However, when J). D. T. is being used, care should be taken not to spray the crop when it is ready for harvest. About fifteen days should elapse between spraying and harvesting.
Undir.
Undir, the rat (ratus sp.). Field rats cause considerable damage
to maturing crops by cutting them down and feeding on plants. Wheat crop is probably the main target. Besides, rat burrows are a constant nuisance, particularly in irrigated fields whose water channels get damaged.
Rat nuisance can be controlled by hunting and poisoning. Poison baits and fumigation are also effective methods of keeping them in check. Various poisons are used for poison baiting. The one consisting of zinc phosphide one ounce and wheat flour one pound is, however, considered to be very effective. Fumigating of rat burrows by Cynogas "A" dust is also deadly for rats. It is a powder which, in contact with the moisture in atmosphere, liberates the deadly gas.
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