Debate on Sustainable Pest Management Approaches

About the Event

The Plant Health Club organized a debate on “Sustainable Pest Management: Chemical Approach vs. Ecological and Biological Approach” on 18 August 2026. The event took place at Lecture Hall No. 2403, Civil Block from 9:45 AM to 10:30 AM. The debate aimed to enhance students’ understanding of pest management strategies and their sustainability. It encouraged critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and awareness of Integrated Pest Management practices.

Chemical Approach Vs Ecological Approach

Dr. P. Maheswara Reddy, Assistant Professor, School of Agriculture, coordinated the event. A total of 34 students participated in the debate. The boys’ group presented arguments supporting ecological and biological approaches, while the girls’ group defended chemical pest management. Both groups actively discussed advantages, limitations, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impacts of their approaches. The debate highlighted immediate pest suppression through chemicals versus long-term sustainability offered by biological and ecological methods. Students compared pesticide resistance, residues, biodiversity conservation, and crop productivity. The event proved important in connecting classroom knowledge with practical crop protection.

Takeaways by the Participants

Students reported that the debate improved their confidence, communication, and teamwork skills. They gained better awareness of pesticide resistance, residues, and environmental safety. The activity helped them appreciate the role of natural enemies, cultural practices, and ecological approaches in pest management. Participants recognized that no single method suits all field conditions. They valued Integrated Pest Management as a balanced approach combining effective pest control with economic and environmental sustainability. The feedback highlighted that the debate was informative, interactive, and useful for applying theoretical concepts to real-world situations.

Conclusion

The organizers expressed gratitude to the students for their active participation. The event successfully promoted awareness of sustainable pest management strategies. It strengthened students’ scientific reasoning and professional skills while encouraging them to adopt balanced approaches for crop protection.