New Biotechnological Approaches to Insect Pest Management

Authors

Dr Nanda Ram

Abstract

Insect pest infestation continues to pose a significant threat to Indian agriculture, leading to substantial crop losses, increased pesticide use, and environmental degradation. This review paper explores the emerging biotechnological interventions that offer sustainable alternatives to conventional pest management. It critically examines the role of genetically modified (GM) crops such as Bt cotton, RNA interference (RNAi) techniques, microbial biopesticides, and marker-assisted breeding in enhancing pest resistance and minimizing ecological impact. Drawing from published scientific data, the study highlights both the potential and the limitations of these technologies in the Indian context. The success of Bt cotton, with adoption by over 7.5 million farmers and increased yields by 24 percent, demonstrates the viability of GM solutions under proper regulatory and educational frameworks. The paper also reviews field trials, economic data, and policy perspectives to present a holistic view of the challengessuch as biosafety concerns, regulatory hurdles, and low farmer awarenessand the way forward. Tables and statistics offer insights into adoption trends, effectiveness, and economic benefits of biotechnological tools. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for increased investment in Research andDevelopment, streamlined regulations, farmer education, and integration with national agricultural programs. Biotechnological pest management, if inclusively and scientifically implemented, has the potential to transform India’s pest control paradigm while ensuring ecological and economic sustainability.

Keywords

Biotechnological Pest Control, Bt Cotton, RNA Interference, Microbial Biopesticides, Integrated Pest Management, Insect Resistance, Indian Agriculture, Sustainable Farming, Crop Protection, Agri-Biotech Policy

New Biotechnological Approaches to Insect Pest Management. Dr Nanda Ram. 2016. IJIRCT, Volume 2, Issue 4. Pages 1-9. https://www.ijirct.org/viewPaper.php?paperId=2504062