Climate change creates threats to pest management in Bangladesh: way forward

Bangladesh, with its large population and heavy reliance on agriculture, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. These changes complicate traditional pest management strategies, as pests that were once seasonal or localized may now thrive year round or spread to new areas. Unpredictable weather conditions can affect pest control practices, including the effectiveness of chemical treatments and the timing of pest monitoring. This article explores the impact of climate change on pest management in Bangladesh, focusing on the vulnerabilities of the agricultural sector and the need for adaptive strategies. It discusses how climate-induced changes in temperature, rainfall, and humidity can facilitate the spread of pests, the introduction of invasive species, and the outbreak of pest populations. These changes also enhance the reproduction of pests like rice stem borers, aphids, and fruit flies, which are already damaging key crops. As pests become difficult to control with conventional methods, leading to greater reliance on chemical pesticides, which carry long-term environmental and health risks. Agricultural production and food security in Bangladesh are at serious risk due to the spread of these arthropod pests and diseases. Global warming, irregular rainfall, and extreme weather events are disrupting current pest management methods, such as cultural, biological, and chemical approaches. Therefore, promoting sustainable agricultural practices like integrated pest management, climate-smart agriculture, and biotechnological approaches is essential for mitigating the impacts of climate change on pest outbreaks. Priority should be given to the development of resistant varieties, conservation of natural enemies and development of effective forecasting models.