<span style="color: #222222;">Bio-control agents can help realise the dream of Prime Minster Narendra Modi to double the income of farmers. The Director General of ICAR Dr.Trilochan Mohapatra has said that farmers need simple remedies to control pests and diseases which could save input costs in agriculture and biological controls can be one such remedy.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Speaking at the inauguration of first international Conference on Biological controls in Bengaluru today, he said up to 30% of agricultural yields are affected by pests and diseases despite intensive chemical pesticide use. Biological control of insect pests and diseases is one of the major ecosystem services provided to agriculture worldwide.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Dr. Mohapatra said biological control mechanisms should be simple and easier to be introduced by the farmers. The three days conference will address issues related to various biological control approaches in the context of biodiversity, increased chemical pesticide pressure and climate change. . Delegates from 20 countries are participating in the conference.</span><br />''  <br />