We recently took part in the Mass Communication Campaign cum Workshop organized by the CABI BioProtection Portal and its partners at two key chilli-growing states—Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The initiative was centered around enhancing awareness and accessibility of digital tools that support farmers, agronomists, and field officers in effectively managing the growing threat of Chilli Black Thrips.

Chilli Black Thrips (Thrips parvispinus) has rapidly emerged as a severe pest in chilli cultivation across India, leading to significant yield losses (ranging from 20 to 70%, according to the reports) and economic setbacks for farmers. Characterized by its resistance to several chemical pesticides and ability to cause heavy damage in a short time, this invasive pest has become a major concern, especially in high-value chilli-growing belts.

The Mass Communication Workshop of CABI Bioprotection Portal underscored the urgent need for sustainable and integrated approaches to pest management. With digital platforms becoming increasingly critical in extending timely and accurate advisory to stakeholders, the event spotlighted several innovative tools tailored to improve on-ground pest monitoring, early detection, and decision-making.

At T. Stanes, we are proud to contribute to this collective effort by offering bio-based solutions and promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies that align with sustainable agriculture goals. Our products and practices are designed to work in harmony with nature, helping reduce the reliance on chemical inputs while enhancing crop health and resilience. Through our collaboration with CABI, we aim to empower farming communities with effective, eco-friendly tools that mitigate the impact of Chilli Black Thrips and safeguard chilli productivity.

This campaign marks a step forward in strengthening the digital and biological dimensions of pest control, ensuring that farmers are better equipped to face the evolving challenges of pest management in chilli cultivation.