For most of my farming career, I thought that farming “naturally” was the safest and most moral approach. I used a lot of neem and garlic sprays, avoided synthetic inputs, and even made my biopesticide mixtures. It felt natural. However, I was forced to confront the difficult question of whether natural is always better or only safer in theory as my crops were subjected to intense pest pressure season after season.
After an especially destructive attack by leaf miners and fruit borers, I made a change I never would have imagined. I decided to use a formulation known as Emoctan—Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG, which is Emamectin Benzoate, on my crops. Not only did the results change, but I also had to reconsider how I perceive sustainability, balance, and pragmatism in farming.
What Are Biopesticides and Why Did I Start With Them?
Biopesticides are derived from plants, bacteria, fungi, or minerals. They include:
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Botanical extracts such as neem, Pongamia, and garlic
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Microbial agents like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), Beauveria bassiana, and Metarhizium anisopliae
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Natural enemies, including predators and parasitoids
These are often praised for their safety to pollinators, human health, and soil life. They don’t build resistance quickly, and they break down naturally. That philosophy aligned perfectly with my commitment to biodiversity and soil health.
For the first few years, my farm thrived using biopesticides alone. But with erratic weather, increased pest resistance, and shrinking intervention windows, the effectiveness of these inputs began to falter. Pest resurgence became frequent, and field margins started showing more damage than I could afford.
When Natural Solutions Stopped Being Enough
The turning point came during my late-season okra and chilli cycles. The pest pressure was too high, and several problems emerged:
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Biopesticide sprays had to be repeated every 3–4 days
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Heavy rains washed away contact sprays quickly
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Leaf borer and shoot borer larvae continued damaging internal tissues
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Yield losses reached up to 30% despite timely action
Once inside pods or stems, even the most dependable choices, such as Bt and neem, did not completely suppress the larval stages. The pests remained one step ahead even with the right timing and dosage.
Why I Considered Emamectin
At first, I was hesitant. I didn’t want to use anything semi-synthetic. But Emamectin Benzoate stood out because:
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It is derived from natural soil bacteria, not fully synthetic.
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It targets only larval stages of chewing pests like caterpillars.
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It has a short environmental half-life—breaking down within 2–5 days.
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It is non-systemic and translaminar, meaning it stays on the leaf and doesn’t move into the fruit.
After hearing from fellow growers who had used it sparingly in integrated pest management (IPM) setups without affecting their soil health or beneficial insects, I decided to test it.
I used Emoctan – Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG during a peak infestation window. I followed label instructions, diluted 10 grams in 15 litres of water, and sprayed in the evening to avoid pollinator activity. The result was surprising—not just in pest control, but in how little it disrupted the field environment.
Comparing Field Results: Biopesticides vs. Emamectin
Here’s how both approaches performed under similar conditions across a two-acre field divided into treatment zones:
The efficiency of Emamectin in reducing fruit and shoot damage was clear. Most importantly, it required less volume, fewer applications, and led to healthier harvest quality.
Why Selectivity Mattered More Than the Source
Natural does not always mean harmless. Some biopesticides, if misapplied, can affect non-target insects or lead to phytotoxicity. For instance:
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High neem concentrations can burn tender leaves
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Garlic-chilli sprays, if unfiltered, clog nozzles and reduce coverage
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Beauveria spores need humid weather to work and fail in dry spells
Conversely, emamectin demonstrated a significant degree of selectivity. Only larvae that were eating on foliage were impacted; predatory beetles, lacewings, and ladybugs that were feeding on the same crop were unaffected. The impact remained focused thanks to careful timing and coverage.
“Farming is less about choosing sides and more about choosing balance. When done responsibly, even science-based tools can fit into a natural system.”
Cost Efficiency and Labour Savings
While biopesticides are cheaper per litre, the total cost of protection includes:
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Frequency of application
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Labour cost
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Reapplication after rain
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Lower marketable yield
On a per-season basis, I spent:
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₹3,200 per acre on biopesticides with 5 spray rounds
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₹1,800 per acre on Emamectin with 2 sprays and Bt rotation
One deciding factor was this cost-benefit ratio. I lessened the operating load in addition to pest losses. With less tank refilling, less exposure time, and more attention to crop monitoring, my employees also valued the change.
Sustainability Considerations
I did a post-cycle review:
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No decline in earthworm count
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Healthy flowering and pollinator return within 2–3 days
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Organic matter in the soil remained stable
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Follow-up neem and compost teas showed no reduced effectiveness
For compliance, I documented every spray and followed a 5-day pre-harvest interval. I also left buffer zones untreated to allow refuge areas for beneficial insects. This ecosystem approach ensured that Emamectin’s precision didn’t come at a biodiversity cost.
To back up my own learning, I also consulted ICAR’s pest management resources and spoke with an entomologist at a local KVK. The feedback confirmed that Emamectin, when used sparingly and with awareness, fits well into semi-organic and transitional programs.
FAQs
Q1: Can Emamectin replace biopesticides completely?
No. It’s best used as a backup or rescue spray. Biopesticides still form the foundation of preventive care.
Q2: Will Emamectin affect pollinators or soil microbes?
Not significantly, if sprayed at correct timings and intervals. It degrades quickly and doesn’t persist.
Q3: Is it approved for export crops?
Yes, but always check your crop’s MRLs and follow proper PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval) based on destination country.
Q4: Can I use Emamectin in drip irrigation?
No, it’s not systemic. Apply as a foliar spray using a fine mist nozzle for best results.
Q5: Does Emamectin build resistance in pests?
It can, if overused. Always rotate with different modes of action like Bt or neem to delay resistance.
When Natural Isn’t Enough: What I Realized
I still believe in natural methods. I still make compost, plant pollinator strips, and brew foliar sprays. But I no longer shy away from using tools that come from science—when they’re used responsibly.
My takeaway?
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Natural works best as prevention. But when infestation strikes, timely action matters more than strict ideology.
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Selectivity and biodegradability are more meaningful indicators of sustainability than just whether something is “natural.”
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Farmers shouldn’t feel guilt for using tools like Emamectin if they preserve the bigger ecosystem and avoid repeated misuse.
Ivermectin didn’t replace my organic mindset. It added a safety net—a well-timed intervention that gave me space to confidently return to natural control.
And sometimes, the wisest farming choice isn’t about being right. It’s about doing what keeps your field, your ecosystem, and your income alive—together.
