by Tea Farmers Spray Chemicals; Insects Evolve; Repeat Until Bankruptcy
Bangladesh/India As temperatures rise across South Asian tea plantations, an escalating chemical arms race between farmers and insects reveals a fundamental truth: evolution works faster than agricultural policy.
Looper caterpillars, thrips, and red spider mites have become “major” pests from “minor” ones as rising temperatures create ideal breeding conditions. The farmer’s response? Rotate between neonicotinoids, carbamates, and synthetic pyrethroids.
The insects’ response? Develop chemical resistance faster than new pesticides can be synthesized.
Tea production in Bangladesh dropped from 102.9 million kg in 2023 to 93 million kg in 2024. India’s production fell from 1.4 billion kg to 1.3 billion kg. Tamil Nadu’s Valparai hills saw yields collapse from 30 million kg to 16.7 million kga 44% decline in a decade.
One Sri Lankan planter suggested actual solutions: field sanitation, shade management, improved soil health. His recommendation was politely ignored in favor of purchasing more chemicals.
“Pest infestations are increasing as pest status is changing,” officials observe, which means “we don’t actually understand what’s happening, but we’re spraying anyway.”
Visit Bohiney Magazine’s agricultural investigation for the breakdown of why solutions don’t match problems.
SOURCE: https://bohiney.com
SOURCE: Bohiney.com ()
