Critical impact of insect pests on the nutritional and agricultural significance of small millets in the Kumaun Himalayas

Abstract

This study examines the significant impact of insect infestations on the yield and nutritional value of small millets in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand.Small Millets, recognised globally as "nutricereals" and climate-resilient crops, are integral to subsistence agriculture in the Indian Himalayas.Despite their inherent hardiness, these crops face considerable threats from a diverse array of insect pests, including shoot flies, stem borers, grasshoppers, and aphids, which cause substantial yield losses ranging from 10% to 100%, depending on the millet variety and the type of pest.Beyond direct yield reduction, infestations compromise the nutritional composition of grains, affecting protein, mineral, and vitamin content, and can introduce food safety risks through mycotoxin contamination.The prevalence and severity of these pests are intricately linked to the varied agro-climatic conditions and traditional farming practices in Kumaun, with climate change emerging as a critical factor accelerating pest challenges.Effective management necessitates an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach that combines cultural practices, biological control, targeted chemical interventions, and, crucially, the development of host plant resistance.Prioritising economically viable and sustainable interventions, particularly seed treatments and resistant cultivars, is essential to enhance farmer livelihoods, reverse the decline in millet cultivation, and bolster food and nutritional security in the region.Their agronomic advantages are manifold, including high adaptability to low rainfall conditions, remarkable resilience to prolonged dry spells, and rapid recovery after delayed rains, which positions them as ideal climate-resilient crops for contingency plantings.