Chapter 3
Green Gram Pest Management through Effective Extension Education
- By Sanjeet Kumar Singh, Vishal Yadav, Abhay Singh - 18 Jul 2026
- Advanced Studies in Plant Breeding, Volume: 1, Pages: 15 - 21
- https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21387776
Abstract/Preface
Green gram (Vigna radiata L.) is one of India’s most nutritionally and economically significant pulse crops, yet it consistently suffers yield losses of 25–40% due to a wide range of insect pests and diseases. The crop faces threats from sucking pests such as whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) and jassids, defoliating insects like the Bihar hairy caterpillar (Spilosoma obliqua), pod feeders including Maruca vitrata, and post-harvest storage pests such as pulse beetle (Callosobruchus maculatus). Despite the availability of proven integrated pest management (IPM) options, adoption among smallholder farmers remains low, primarily because of poor access to timely, localised, and practically demonstrated pest management information. Agricultural extension education delivered through farmer field schools (FFS), KVK training programmes, mobile advisory, and community-based platforms has demonstrated measurable success in improving farmer knowledge, shifting pesticide dependence, and promoting sustainable IPM practices. This article systematically reviews the pest scenario in green gram, evaluates the role and effectiveness of different extension education approaches, and presents evidence-based recommendations for designing impactful pest management extension programmes for green gram-growing regions of India.