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Operations - Pest and Disease Control Service
Desire Flora (K) Ltd operates with an Integrated Pest Management approach and incorporates the use of biological pesticides, fungicides and predators to control its major pest and diseases. It runs its own Phytoselius persimilis production unit of half hectare which suffices its requirements for the farm. The farm also runs in parallel, contracts with Koppert Biologicals and Real IPM to supply other beneficial predators and products for control of mites and thrips. A well trained scouting and spray team helps to keep the farm pest and disease free. Both the teams are trained every six months for Pest and Disease Identification and Reporting Procedures and Effective and Safe Use of Pesticides and Fungicides respectively. Importance is given to spot sprays to control any outbreaks and help maintain a preventive course of action throughout the year. Stick traps and light traps are used to monitor any possible outbreak of thrips and caterpillars.Humidification and dehumidification processes are followed to maintain proper humidity conditions within the greenhouses which are an important part to control pests and diseases. Insect nettings are provided for all greenhouses to avoid entry of pests from the open areas.
Special emphasis is given to follow on International guidelines on rotation of chemicals to avoid resistance build up among pests and diseases. To ensure safety of sprayers and workers regular check and calibration of spray equipments and machinery is done on periodical basis. Sprayers are provided with complete chemical resistant protection suits with masks, gumboots and goggles of high quality which are mandatory to use.
Re-entry levels are practiced for each chemical as per WHO classifications to avoid exposure of chemicals to general workers after sprays. All workers handling chemicals undergo periodic medical tests to ensure proper health. Proper bathrooms with soaps are provided to the sprayers to maintain hygiene after sprays. A proper rotation of sprayers is followed irrespective of their medical history to avoid any over exposure of chemicals to an individual.