Addressing Planthopper Threats to Asian Rice Farming and Food Security: Fixing Insecticide Misuse

Planthopper outbreaks in rice production are induced by insecticides that destroy natural control mechanisms. In Asia, excessive insecticide use is fueled by market promotions in the manner of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) where pesticide marketing regulatory frameworks are weak or nonexisting. Thus, a large proportion of the insecticides farmers use are misuses and unnecessary. Unknowingly, farmers and consumers are also exposed to health risks posed by insecticides, which include autism, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Field research has also shown that there is little or no productivity gain from farmers’ insecticide use. Instead, they increase crop vulnerability to planthopper outbreaks. The paper discusses the threats of rampant insecticide misuse in Asia and emphasizes the urgent need to reform and professionalize plant protection services and improve pesticide marketing regulations. Ecological engineering methods to increase ecosystem services and reduce insecticide use may be introduced to increase ecosystem resistance and resilience to pest outbreaks and to promote sustainable production systems for food security.