First detected in Bengaluru, black thrips ravage Karnataka’s chilli heartland
Black thrips (Thrips parvispinus), first detected on papaya leaves in Bengaluru in 2015, have become a major pest in Karnataka's chilli-growing regions, particularly Raichur.
A 2024 survey found Raichur had the highest black thrips infestation in Karnataka, averaging 14.7 thrips per plant, causing severe crop damage.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR) recommended integrated pest management (IPM) and climate-resilient practices to curb the pest.
Raichur MP G Kumar Naik raised the issue in Parliament, prompting Union Minister Ramnath Thakur to acknowledge black thrips as the predominant pest affecting chilli in Raichur.
Karnataka increased the scale of finance for chilli cultivation by nearly 24% for 2026-27, but the Centre does not maintain district-wise data on crop losses or farmer indebtedness linked to the pest.
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