Analysis of pest management methods used for Rice stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas) in Sri Lanka based on the concept of Sustainable Development

Due to the high demand for pest control in Sri Lankas’ rice paddy cultivation practices, the number of new pesticides has been recently introduced. However, the new pesticides, which are flowing into the agriculture sector of Sri Lanka, appeared to be used by farmers without obtaining proper application guidance from the suppliers or from extension services. As a result, the exposure to harmful pesticides is increasing and the excessive use of them generates environmental, social, and economical problems. Therefore, a commitment to new strategy in pest management is needed, in order to ensure the suitable and efficient pest management method in Sri Lankas’ rice farming sector, along with maintenance of the environmental standards in the country. The aim of this thesis is to analyse the current pest management methods used in Sri Lanka to control the out breaks of Rice Stem borers (Scirpophaga incertulas) and their short and long term impacts on environment, economical and social sectors. Moreover, this study investigates the possibilities of introduction of a combination of pest management methods into the agriculture sector of Sri Lanka, in order to overcome the negative impacts on environment, economic, and social sectors. The findings are that the existing conventional pest control methods contradict with the sustainable agriculture concept. This study suggests that traditional pest management practices could play an important role in achieving sustainable pest management method by influencing the decrease of excessive usage of pesticides