Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an eco-friendly approach which aims at keeping pest population at below economic threshold levels by employing all available alternate pest control methods and techniques such as cultural, mechanical and biological with emphasis on use of bio-pesticides and pesticides of plant-origin like Neem formulations. The use of chemical pesticides is advised as a measure of last resort when pest population in the crop crosses economic threshold levels (ETL). IPM is aimed at suppression of pest population below economic threshold level through the adoption of feasible and affordable Good Agricultural Practices and causing least disturbance to the eco system and environment. 

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) emphasizes the healthy growth of crops with the minimal usage of pesticides and encourages the use of biological pest control methods. IPM focuses on the long term application of ecologically-friendly biological methods such as natural predators, resistant plant strains, sterile male technique, and so on. The main reason that the FAO has started implementing the IPM in several regions was largely due to the hazardous impact of the certain chemicals contained in commercial pesticides. Some studies show that the use of DDT in Africa to control malaria has given some adverse side effects such as breast cancer, diabetes, spontaneous abortions, decreased semen quality, and impaired child neurodevelopment. Thus, IPM aims to slowly reduce the use of pesticides via biological control methods.

Advantages of IPM-

• Slower development of resistance to pesticides

Pests can develop a resistance to pesticides over time. When the applications of the chemicals are used repeatedly, the pests can develop a resistance to the pesticides via natural selection, where the pests that survive the application of the chemicals will pass on their genes to their offspring. This leads to the creation of “superpests”. IPM reduces the risk of this occurring as the methods adopted by IPM are natural.

• Maintaining a balanced ecosystem

The use of pesticides may eradicate the pest population. However, there is a risk that non-target organisms are also affected, which can result in species loss. IPM can eradicate pests while maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

• Better cost vs. value margin

The reduced usage of pesticides is more cost effective in the long term, as IPM controls pests when there are surges, as opposed to the regularly timed application of pesticides.

Further its advantages include reduced,

• Number of broad-spectrum pesticide applications.
• Risk of pests developing resistance to pesticides.
• Risk to farm workers/operators.
• Chemical and labour costs.
• Damage to the environment.
• Risk of spray drift.
• Risk of pesticide residues on marketed products, with consumer confidence and satisfaction and market access opportunities.

Disadvantages of IPM-

• More involvement in the technicalities of the method

Individual farmers and all those involved in IPM have to be educated about their options in the various methods available, which often take time.

• Time and energy consuming

Application of IPM takes time and has to be closely monitored, as the practice of IPM has many different methods integrated in order to provide the most effective pest control methods. Different pests have different control methods, and it is necessary to monitor which methods are the best for specific pests.

• Initially complicated decision-making.
• Crop monitoring results that can be difficult to interpret.
• Lack of market rewards for IPM grown product.
• Limited market tolerance to blemishes.

Conclusion-

However, the disadvantages are easily offset with the establishment of organizations that actually provide training and education to IPM practitioners. In Malaysia, the Ministry of Agriculture actually provides support and training to farmers who apply IPM to control the pests in their farms. As the practice grows, the application of the IPM process can become easier over time.