Udupi: In welcome news for coconut cultivators, a new technique has been introduced to combat the black-headed caterpillar, a common pest that severely affects coconut trees.
The South Canara Coconut Producers Company has developed a specialized device designed to effectively control and manage this widespread pest issue in coconut plantations.
This innovation was showcased during a live demo at the Jackfruit Festival organized at the Horticulture Department premises in Dodda. The event, which featured a wide variety of agricultural and horticultural stalls, drew significant public interest.
In addition to jackfruit and mango sales, the fair saw an enthusiastic response to stalls offering organic products and eco-friendly tools. Products like mango pulp, jackfruit chips, kalparasa (tender coconut nectar), coconut jaggery, and decorative crafts made from agricultural materials were key attractions.
Farmers and visitors appreciated the hands-on demonstration of the new pest control method, expressing hope that it would bring relief from yield loss caused by the black-headed moth.
The initiative reflects the growing innovation in sustainable agriculture and underlines the efforts being made to support local farmers with modern solutions.