NATIONAL PEST SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM

A National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) has been officially launched on 15th August, 2024 by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. This remarkable initiative aims to enhance the surveillance and management of pest diseases across the nation, ensuring a secure agricultural landscape. NPSS is revolutionizing the way farmers monitor and respond to pests and diseases through innovative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).

What is PEST Surveillance?

PLants, animals, and microorganisms are all interconnected; thus, monitoring one area can influence others. NPSS focuses on key crops like cotton, paddy, wheat, maize, pigeon pea, moong, soyabean, sugarcane, brinjal, tomato, apple, banana, grapes, and pomegranate. By identifying pests and diseases in these crops, farmers receive timely advice to protect their farms.

What Does NPSS Cover?

• Identifying Pests: NPSS is equipped to detect over 15 major crops and their respective pests.
• Pest Management Advice: Farmers are informed of pest issues through real-time alerts, enabling them to take preventive measures immediately.
• User-Friendly Tools: The system includes a mobile app for easy access and a portal for automated pest identification.

Current Status

NPSS is available in four languages: English, Hindi, Marathi, and Punjabi. As of now, it has issued 10,154 pest management advisories across the country to farmers. This level of coverage underscores its reliability and widespread adoption.

Government Strategies for Farmer Growth

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MFAFW) has outlined six strategic approaches to ensure agricultural resilience:

• Increase Farm Productivity: Focus on sustainable farming practices.
• Reduce Cost of Production: Invest in efficient techniques and technology.
• Agricultural Diversification: Explore new crops for increased revenue streams.
• Climate Adaptation: Develop resilient farming systems to cope with changing conditions.
• Incentivize Farmers’ Growth: Offer financial rewards to farmers for innovative practices.

The Mobile App and Portals

NPSS provides a mobile app that allows farmers to access pest data from anywhere. The portals enable quick identification of pests across the country, making it accessible to both professionals and farmers.

Why NPSS Matters to Farmers

• Proactive Management: NPSS helps farmers avoid costly losses from pest outbreaks.
• Efficient Resource Use: By providing timely advice, NPSS reduces reliance on uncontrolled pest populations, which can be unpredictable.
• Faster Decision-Making: The instant information allows farmers to take corrective actions, ensuring sustainable growth.

Conclusion

The National PEST Surveillance System is a cornerstone of modern agricultural practices. It empowers farmers with the tools they need to manage pests and diseases efficiently, while supporting policies aimed at food security and climate resilience. As technology continues to evolve, NPSS has the potential to become an indispensable resource for ensuring a sustainable future for all. Stay tuned for more updates on this remarkable system!