Centre urged to strengthen support for Raichur chilli farmers hit by black thrips
Raichur MP G. Kumar Naik is calling for increased government support for chilli farmers struggling with severe black thrips infestations. He argues that current federal interventions are insufficient and lack the necessary data to effectively mitigate crop losses.
Why it matters
Effective pest management is critical for the economic stability of small-scale farmers and the security of the agricultural supply chain.
G. Kumar Naik, Raichur MP, has urged the Union government to strengthen scientific and institutional support for chilli farmers affected by black thrips infestation, saying the existing measures are inadequate to address the scale of the problem in Raichur district.
In a press note issued on Wednesday (July 29), the MP said the issue was raised in the Lok Sabha through a question seeking details on compensation and protection for chilli growers in Raichur. In its reply, he added, the Centre acknowledged that black thrips is the predominant pest affecting chilli cultivation in the district and outlined measures such as climate-resilient crop varieties, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, crop insurance and market support schemes. It also recognised the rising cost of chilli cultivation, he added.
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