ICAR–NBAIR Showcases Breakthrough in Biological Control of Cassava Mealybug in India

13 November 2025, Bengaluru

ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru, organized a grand ‘Cassava Field Day’ today at Rasipuram, Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu, highlighting India’s landmark success in the biological control of the cassava mealybug (Phenacoccus manihoti). The event celebrated the impact of introducing its effective parasitoid, Anagyrus lopezi, which revitalized cassava cultivation across South India after a severe pest outbreak.

The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Shri V. S. Matheswaran, Member of Parliament (Namakkal); Shri K. R. N. Rajeshkumar, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha); Dr. V. S. Mathiventhan, Minister for Adi Dravidar Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu; Shri A. K. P. Chinraj, Former MP (Namakkal); and Dr. Poonam Jasrotia, Assistant Director General (PP&B), ICAR, New Delhi.

In his address as Chief Guest, Shri Matheswaran commended farmers for the timely release of parasitoids, which restored cassava yields to 30–35 tonnes per hectare. He noted that the biological control initiative has saved crores of rupees for growers in the region.

Former MP Shri A. K. P. Chinraj praised ICAR as one of the most transparent and dedicated institutions committed to advancing Indian agriculture. 

Shri Rajeshkumar, MP (Rajya Sabha), also lauded ICAR–NBAIR for bringing this technology to farmers and mentioned that he, too, had benefitted from the programme.

Dr. V. S. Mathiventhan, applauded ICAR–NBAIR’s efforts and recognized the critical role of parasitoids in safeguarding Tamil Nadu’s cassava crops. 

Dr. Poonam Jasrotia commended ICAR-NBAIR for sourcing Anagyrus lopezi from IITA, Benin, and for developing a successful mass-production protocol aligned with organic farming principles. She described the initiative as an exemplary model of classical biological control.

Welcoming the gathering, Dr. S. N. Sushil, Director, ICAR–NBAIR, outlined the successful classical biological control programme implemented in partnership with state departments, sago industries, and other stakeholders. He highlighted that the intervention significantly improved the Benefit–Cost Ratio from 0.857 to 1.525 with an estimated annual economic gain of ₹3,480 crore. The reduced dependency on chemical pesticides has also resulted in annual savings of approximately ₹286 crore, reaffirming the programme’s transformative impact on the cassava sector.

Senior officials from the Departments of Agriculture and Horticulture, Government of Tamil Nadu, Central Integrated Pest Management Centre, State Agricultural Universities, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras also participated.

As part of the event, an exhibition showcased improved cassava varieties and advanced pest management technologies, enabling farmers to explore proven solutions for enhancing productivity and crop resilience.

More than 500 participants including farmers, scientists, policymakers, industry representatives, and officials attended the programme, which showcased how scientific innovation and community participation restored cassava productivity.

(Source: ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru)