Soil improvement, crop diversification and use of desi seeds at Hitkari farms have all helped in reviving the structure, health and balance of the agro-ecosystem. Healthy agro-ecosystems are marked by better nutrient cycling and active ecological processes including the foreplay of prey- predator relationship sustaining the food chain. Owing to these naturally installed regulatory mechanisms, at Hitkari Kheti, mostly pests are kept under control by their active predators.
Hovering dragonflies and damsel flies, and expansive cobwebs covering the plantation are the natural indicators of the health of Hitkari farms. These are God made friends of farmers, which in the process of feeding over their favourite prey; protect the crops from these unwanted guests. Ecologically seen, active food chains naturally regulate the population of pests.
Upholding the principle of minimum infringement of the ecological system, Hitkari kheti has developed a range of organic pest repellents to deal with any critical incidence of pests. Some of these are special neem- based, cow dung and cow urine- based and plant- based pest repellents for protecting the plantation against the onslaught of pests. Simple farm innovations like creating perch for birds have proved extremely beneficial in checking the pests. Additionally, to check severe attacks of pest, gum based pest traps and candle- based pest flasks are used.
