790 



TABLE 2.— LOSSES OF POTENTIAL CROP PRODUCTION BY REGION* 



'Source: Food and Agricultural Organizations, "Provisional Indicative World Food Plan," vol. 1, op.cit, page 207 . 



Obviously the developing countries must deal effectively with the 

 problem of crop destruction by pests, or much of the upward thrust of 

 the Green Revolution will be lost entirely. Indeed, the Green Revolu- 

 tion itself, by simplifying the agro-ecosi^stem, may actually create 

 more favorable conditions for pests. New high-yield varieties may lack 

 resistance to indigenous insects and diseases. The extension of irriga- 

 tion, the greater use of fertilizers, and other modem methods foster 

 higher and more reliable yields, but at the same time can bring about 

 an increase in pests, diseases, and weeds. Double-cropping merely com- 

 pounds the problem. Chemical agents in great variety are available 

 to combat the depredations of pests. There are insecticides, fungicides, 

 and materials for rodent control. Indications are that except for cam- 

 paigns against locust-breeding areas, the use of these chemicals has 

 been more for curative than preventive purposes. Further, the empha- 

 sis has been more on the protection of industrial and export crops 

 than on domestic food crops. This situation may change as the small 

 farmer becomes more knowledgeable and as advisory services are made 

 more widely available. In the long nm the problem will be to control 

 crop losses in the fields without creating serious ecological problems. A 

 great deal of research is necessary to develop cheap and effective crop 

 protection agents which can be applied without the risks to the user 

 or the environment that accompany so many of the present pesticides 

 anci insectici(ies. Research could also focus on the development of ge- 

 netic resistance to plant diseases, the introduction of predators and 

 parasites of the mam insect pests and rodents, and sterilization of the 

 male in some species of pests. 



Effective crop protection will also require large-scale experimenta- 

 tion to test the results of research in operation and to work out their 

 costs and benefits. Demonstrations will be necessary so that farmers can 

 learn to use new methods and products developed by research. The 

 extension services of the developing countries can help in these activi- 

 ties and in the organization and execution of pest surveys and control 

 schedules. In general, the chances for effective pest control will be 

 enhanced by strengthening the ministries of agriculture in the LDCs, 

 and by encouraging the farmers to act jointly for ihe protection of 

 their ciops. 



