AID-COMILLA implements a number of development project including research project on Integrated Pest Management in Rice (IPM-Rice)  in Comilla, Noakhali, Feni & Lakshmipur District with funding support from DANIDA, DFID/UKAid, PETRRA/IRRI etc.

Rice is the staple food of Bangladesh, forming the backbone of both food security and rural livelihoods. Over the decades, rice cultivation in Bangladesh has faced significant challenges due to pest infestations, which threaten both yield and farmer income. Traditional reliance on chemical pesticides, while initially effective, has led to ecological imbalances, pest resistance, and health hazards. In response, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has emerged as a sustainable alternative, combining scientific knowledge with farmer participation to manage pest populations effectively.

The concept of IPM was introduced in Bangladesh in 1981 through collaboration with international organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The approach was formalized with the National Integrated Pest Management Policy in 2002, reflecting the government’s commitment to reducing the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides while promoting environmentally friendly practices. At its core, IPM is an ecological approach that integrates biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods to control pests, emphasizing monitoring, economic thresholds, and judicious pesticide use.

A key component of IPM in Bangladesh has been the establishment of Farmer Field Schools (FFS). These schools, initiated in the 1990s, employ participatory learning techniques to educate farmers on pest ecology, monitoring methods, and management strategies. Farmers learn to recognize pest outbreaks, understand the role of natural predators, and make informed decisions about interventions. Through these schools, knowledge is not only transferred but also adapted to local farming conditions, ensuring practical relevance and effectiveness.

Cultural practices form a critical element of IPM, including the use of pest-resistant rice varieties, crop rotation, and proper field sanitation. Biological controls, such as the encouragement of natural predators and parasitoids, help maintain ecological balance. Mechanical methods, including manual pest removal and traps, further reduce pest pressure without harming the environment. Chemical interventions are applied only when necessary and in accordance with economic thresholds, minimizing environmental and health risks.

Despite the demonstrated benefits of IPM, adoption rates among farmers vary. Studies indicate that factors such as education, income, access to extension services, and participation in IPM clubs influence adoption. Evidence from Sylhet District, for example, shows that while many Boro rice farmers are aware of IPM techniques, the average adoption score remains moderate, reflecting ongoing challenges in scaling practices across diverse farming contexts. Nevertheless, where IPM practices are implemented effectively, farmers report reduced pesticide use, lower production costs, and enhanced sustainability of rice cultivation systems.

Government agencies, including the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), alongside non-governmental organizations and international partners, continue to support IPM dissemination through training programs, field demonstrations, and stakeholder engagement. Modern initiatives, such as the Feed the Future Bangladesh Integrated Pest Management Activity (IPMA), aim to further strengthen farmer capacity to implement IPM strategies, address emerging pest threats, and ensure both productivity and environmental safety.

In conclusion, IPM represents a paradigm shift in rice cultivation in Bangladesh, moving from chemical dependency to a more balanced, ecologically informed pest management approach. Its continued promotion, backed by research, education, and policy support, is critical for sustainable rice production, farmer livelihoods, and environmental protection in Bangladesh.