Junagadh Agricultural University to launch two biopesticides

The Junagadh Agricultural University (JAU) will launch two biopesticides under the brand name of 'Savaj' (Lion) on January 15, during the university's convocation.

According to N C Patel, vice-chancellor, JAU, the biopesticide products will kill pests in different crops effectively and being eco-friendly they will not harm farmers while spraying.

"Our scientists have tested them on different crops and found that the results are encouraging. We have also conducted training programs for farmers on how to use these pesticides,'' in their farms, Patel said.

Patel said that Savaj HNPV prevents the Helicoverpa armigera in different crops while Savaj SNPV controls the Spodoptera litura in different crops.

"We will see the farmer's experience on large scale and accordingly we will continue to produce it in our Microbial Insecticide Production Unit at JAU,'' he added.

JAU officials say that biopesticide will be in liquid form and each tin will contain 250 ML.

"SNPV works against the S Litura, a polyphagous pest which damages cotton, castor, cabbage, groundnut, cauliflower and tobacco. Farmers use chemical insecticides indiscriminately to manage the pests but it also creates environmental problems. But bio-pesticide is safer and eco-friendly,'' said M N Kapadia, professor and head of entomology department, JAU.

"Every year, many farmers die after inhaling pesticides while spraying them. But bio-pesticides are harmless and will also save the human lives as well,'' said Kapadia.