IPM Programs in Asia, including on rice, cotton and vegetables, have been broadly based on three dimensions. First is a solid
IPM science basis including ecological interaction, plant physiology and soil-plant interactions. Second is policy for IPM,
especially elimination of pesticide subsidies which cause over-use of pesticides and disrupt natural enemies leading to secondary
pest outbreaks particularly on rice and cotton. Finally, the third dimension is farmer education through hands-on practical
training. Lessons are drawn from the FAO Inter-Country Program for Rice IPM in Asia, the FAO-EU for Cotton in Asia and FAO
Regional Vegetable IPM Program in South and Southeast Asia. A case study on cotton highlights broadened aspects of IPM activities
through farmer empowerment.
Keywords Integrated Pest Management (IPM) - farmer empowerment - Farmer Field School (FFS) - IPM policy - environmental education