Addressing a meeting of the representatives of the Agro Traders' Association organised under the auspices of the Gram Vikas Polytechnic at Pipri in this district, Dr Cairo said that the farmers needed good guidance in cotton pest control. ``To develop confidence among farmers about checking the pests affecting cotton was necessary,'' he added.

Speaking on the occasion, CICR's Chief Scientist Dr Banerjee said the farmers often sprayed the wrong pesticide for pest control. As a result, they did not get the desired result and the amount incurred on spraying was wasted. ``At times, the crop was also destroyed,'' he added.

He said that the farmers should understand the difference between the friendly pests and destructive pests and their stages of development.