Insects are often called “pests” in farming because they harm crops, causing big problems for farmers and the food supply. These tiny creatures can damage plants by eating parts of them—like leaves, stems, roots, and even fruits. When crops are attacked, they become weaker, grow poorly, or even die, leading to lower food production and income for farmers. One of the biggest issues with pest insects is how quickly they can spread. Some, like aphids or locusts, multiply fast and can swarm through fields in no time. Aphids suck the sap from plants, which drains the plants' energy and makes them weaker. Other pests, like the Colorado potato beetle, have a huge impact on important crops, such as potatoes. When many plants are damaged or killed by pests, it affects food availability for people and increases costs for farmers. Insects also cause trouble by spreading plant diseases. For example, a small pest called the brown planthopper can infect rice plants with a virus that causes “rice tungro disease.” This disease is a serious problem for rice farmers, especially in Asia, where rice is a key food. Another pest, the whitefly, carries viruses that harm tomatoes and peppers. When pests spread diseases, the damage to crops worsens, forcing farmers to spend more money on solutions like insecticides or pest-resistant crops. This adds to farming costs and can be hard on the environment.
Some pests, like locusts, are especially destructive. They travel in huge swarms and can eat entire fields of crops in just a few hours, leaving farmers with nothing. Locust invasions cause food shortages and financial stress for communities, especially in areas where farming is a main livelihood. While not all insects are bad—bees help by pollinating plants, and ladybugs eat harmful pests—the ones that damage crops create big challenges for farmers. To fight these pests, farmers use smart methods, like Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This approach includes natural ways to control pests, like using beneficial insects, rotating crops, and carefully choosing pesticides. By managing pests, farmers protect their crops, helping ensure there’s enough food for everyone and reducing the economic and environmental costs caused by these insects.
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