Why in news
A new study commissioned by the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) highlights the urgent need for improved weed management strategies.
Weeds are causing an annual loss of ₹92,000 crore (approximately $11 billion) in crop productivity in India.
Weeds account for 25-26% yield losses in kharif (monsoon) crops and 18-25% in rabi (winter) crops.
Impact on Crop Yields
Weeds compete with crops for resources from planting to post-harvest, leading to reduced crop productivity.
Farmers spend between ₹3,700 and ₹7,900 per acre on weed control, impacting their overall income.
The study covered major crops like rice, wheat, maize, cotton, sugarcane, soybean, and mustard, indicating widespread issues across diverse agricultural practices.
Way Forward
The report recommends technology-led weed control methods, including:
Herbicides: Using chemical solutions to manage weed growth.
Mechanisation: Employing machinery to remove weeds efficiently.
Crop Rotation and Cover Cropping: Implementing practices that enhance soil health and reduce weed prevalence.
Biological Control: Using natural predators or competitive plants to suppress weeds.
Strengthening partnerships between government and private sectors to develop effective weed management solutions.
Implementing a combination of traditional, mechanical, and chemical methods to create a comprehensive weed management framework tailored to Indian agriculture.
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