- On the instructions of Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam, emphasis was laid on crop care and damage prevention.
- Useful technical information will reach farmers through Crop Doctor app, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and mobile messages.
In Chhattisgarh, special emphasis is being placed on crop health management to protect farmers’ crops from damage caused by pests and diseases and to maintain the quality of agricultural production. Following the directives of Agriculture Development and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam, farmers are being encouraged to timely identify pests and diseases in their crops, seek scientific diagnosis, and adopt appropriate control measures. To this end, they have been advised to take advantage of the digital facilities provided by the Indira Gandhi Agricultural University (IGKV), Raipur, the scientists at Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and regional agricultural advisory services.
Pest and disease outbreaks in crops can pose a challenge for farmers. Failure to identify the problem in time or spraying agricultural chemicals without proper information can damage the crop and increase production costs. Keeping this in mind, farmers have been advised to first seek scientific diagnosis of the problem if they notice any abnormal symptoms in their crops, and only then implement appropriate control measures.
- The Crop Doctor app provides information on crop problems.
The Indira Gandhi Agricultural University’s Crop Doctor app is a useful digital tool for understanding pest and disease-related problems based on visible symptoms in crops and for obtaining information on their management. Farmers can benefit from the information provided through this app regarding symptoms such as yellowing of leaves, spots, wilting of plants, damage to stems and roots, or pest infestation.
The information obtained from the app can be helpful in identifying potential problems. However, in serious or unclear cases, it is important to consult agricultural scientists and confirm the problem. Farmers can access the app by visiting this link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/detailsid.igkv . igkvcropdoctor
- Emphasis on regional agricultural advisories through mobile messages.
Receiving timely agricultural advisories based on crop condition, weather, and potential pest and disease outbreaks in a particular region is crucial for crop protection. Agricultural information is delivered to farmers via mobile messages through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and advisory services affiliated with the Indira Gandhi Agricultural University. Farmers are advised to pay attention to the official agricultural advisories issued for their region and manage their crops accordingly.
- Seek advice from scientists at Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
If unusual symptoms appear on crops, the pest or disease is unclear, or common measures do not provide results, farmers can contact scientists at their district’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra. For consultation, farmers should provide the crop name, variety, current condition, clear photographs of affected plants and leaves, the nature of the damage, and information about recently used fertilizers and agrochemicals. This will help scientists assess the potential causes of the problem and provide appropriate management guidance. If necessary, sample testing or field inspections may also be conducted.
- Use agrochemicals only after proper identification.
Farmers have been urged not to spray any pesticide or other agrochemical without proper identification. Select agrochemicals based on the crop and the targeted pest or disease, and follow the recommended dosage, waiting period, personal protective equipment, and other instructions on the product label.
Timely problem identification, scientific diagnosis, and appropriate control measures can help reduce crop losses, better manage agricultural costs, and preserve the quality of produce. Farmers are advised to regularly monitor their crops and prioritize crop health protection by taking advantage of technical guidance available through the Indira Gandhi Agricultural University and Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
Publication Note: The news item mentions an initiative in accordance with the instructions of Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam based on your instructions. Please confirm the Minister’s instructions and the current operation of the mobile messaging service before officially releasing it. Also, the date above, October 18, 2026, is based on today’s date; if the news item is to be released on a different day, please change the actual date of publication.