In terms of insect pests, the main culprits in our crushing zone are the Pyrilla and Black bug, which are major sucking pests, alongside stem and top borers, which represent the primary chewing pests. We are allocating a significant budget towards providing pesticides to growers for effective pest management. Our field teams, comprising members from the development and cane departments, have diligently monitored the crops of every grower to control these pest populations. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of our field staff and the support of JDW Group’s management, we have successfully managed the populations of the aforementioned pests using high-quality pesticide formulations.
In 2023-24, changing climatic conditions led to an increase in whitefly attacks across all zones within JDW Group’s mills; however, our proactive measures effectively curbed their spread over extensive areas.
Moreover, from 2023, we have integrated drone technology for the management of Top Borer and Whitefly infestations. This innovative approach has proven to be both efficient and cost-effective, particularly during the critical months of July to September, when traditional spraying methods are less feasible.
