Sustainable insect pest management in integrated farming system

Atanu Seni

Abstract
The increasing dependence on chemical pesticides in modern agriculture has resulted in serious ecological, economic, and health-related challenges, including pest resistance, resurgence, biodiversity loss, and environmental contamination. Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), based on diversification and synergistic integration of crops, livestock, fisheries, and allied enterprises, offer a sustainable alternative for pest control. Diversification within IFS enhances ecological complexity, disrupts pest life cycles, conserves natural enemies, and reduces reliance on synthetic pesticides. This article discusses the principles and components of integrated farming systems, the ecological basis of pest suppression through diversification, and the role of crop-livestock-fish integration in sustainable pest management.