Climate Change May Shift Crop Pest Risks: 7 Ways Farmers Can Prepare for New Pest Pressure

Climate change is changing more than rainfall and temperatures on farms. It can also affect insects, pests and crop diseases. ICAR has noted that the profile of important pests and pathogens is changing with climate change, while recent research has projected higher pest risks in some areas as temperatures rise.

Why changing weather can affect pests

Insects respond to temperature, humidity, rainfall and the availability of host plants. Warmer conditions can alter their growth and reproduction, while unusual rainfall can influence pest survival and crop vulnerability. This means farmers may face pest activity at different times or in locations where it was previously less common.

ICAR has recently highlighted climate-related pest resilience as a farming concern. At a climate-smart cotton meeting in Haryana this month, scientists and agricultural experts discussed emerging insect pests and diseases and the need for stronger links between research and field-level advice.

1. Monitor crops more frequently

Farmers should inspect fields regularly instead of waiting until visible damage becomes widespread. Checking the underside of leaves, growing points, stems, flowers and fruits can help identify early pest activity. Changes in temperature and humidity make timely observation more important when pest behaviour is less predictable.

Farmers can record which pests appear, where they are concentrated and how quickly populations are increasing. Photographs can also help when seeking advice from agriculture officers or KVK scientists. Early reporting gives experts more information for deciding whether monitoring, biological control or other measures are needed.

2. Use weather information before taking action

Weather conditions can influence both pest development and the success of crop protection measures. Farmers should check local forecasts and agricultural advisories before spraying pesticides or planning other interventions. IMD provides district and state agrometeorological advisories, along with location-specific weather services for agricultural decisions.

IMD also launched KALP in 2026 to provide location-specific weather predictions and crop advisories. Such information can help farmers make better decisions about sowing, irrigation and harvesting, while weather-linked pest information can support more timely crop protection decisions.

3. Avoid spraying pesticides on a routine schedule

Frequent pesticide applications can increase production costs and may harm beneficial insects. Farmers should first confirm that a pest has reached a level requiring control. ICAR’s current guidance on Integrated Pest Management recommends regular monitoring and informed decisions, with non-chemical methods receiving priority where suitable.

When pesticides are needed, farmers should use only the product recommended for the particular crop and pest, at the prescribed dose. Mixing several products without expert advice can create unnecessary costs and risks. Local agriculture departments and KVKs can help identify appropriate control measures.

4. Protect beneficial insects

Not every insect found in a field is a crop pest. Predatory insects, parasitoids and pollinators can contribute to natural pest control and crop production. Farmers should learn to distinguish harmful insects from beneficial ones before applying broad-spectrum pesticides across an entire field.

Integrated Pest Management combines cultural, physical, mechanical, biological and chemical methods according to the crop and pest situation. ICAR says this approach can keep pest populations below economically damaging levels while reducing unnecessary pesticide use and associated environmental risks.

5. Consider resistant varieties

Changing pest patterns can make crop variety selection more important. Farmers should ask local agricultural universities, KVKs or seed agencies about varieties with resistance or tolerance to major pests and diseases affecting their region.

Variety selection should also consider crop duration, soil, water availability and local weather. A variety that performs well in one district may not provide the same results elsewhere. Farmers should therefore rely on locally tested recommendations instead of choosing seed solely on claims of high yield or pest resistance.

6. Use biological and cultural methods

Farmers can reduce pest pressure through crop rotation, field sanitation, balanced fertilisation, timely sowing, removal of heavily infested plant material and other cultural practices. Biological control can also help where suitable organisms or microbial products are recommended for the particular pest.

ICAR has been training agricultural personnel on climate-smart biological control strategies for emerging pests and diseases. Its National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources has also worked on sustainable management approaches for pests such as melon fly, whose management is becoming more important under changing climatic conditions.

7. Report unusual pest outbreaks early

A pest appearing earlier than usual, spreading into a new area or causing unexpected damage should be reported rather than treated only as a routine farm problem. Early information can help extension agencies and scientists track changes and issue advice before an outbreak becomes widespread.

ICAR’s National Pest Surveillance System is designed to strengthen pest surveillance, early warning and location-specific management advice. Farmers can also approach nearby KVKs and agriculture officials when they notice unusual pest activity or rapid crop damage.

Climate change needs a different pest strategy

Climate change does not mean every pest will increase everywhere. Pest responses depend on the insect, crop, temperature, rainfall, natural enemies and local farming conditions. ICAR research has already projected that some pests could become more common in areas where they currently have limited importance as temperatures rise.

For farmers, the practical response is not to spray more often. It is to monitor fields closely, use weather information, select suitable varieties and combine several pest-management methods. A stronger surveillance system can help farmers respond to changing risks without increasing unnecessary chemical use.

Changing temperatures and rainfall can alter when and where crop pests appear. Farmers can reduce the risk by combining regular field monitoring, weather advisories, resistant varieties, biological methods and careful pesticide use. Early reporting is also important because unusual pest activity may signal a wider change in local crop conditions.