For one usually attending evening meetings
on corporate HR topics this was new, so farther away
yet interesting, gripping, informative, enlightening!
The speaker, Dr Chandish Ballal, passionate entomologist
former Director, NBAIR* enlightened us, among many things
that all insects are not pests, that the majority
the beneficial insects are most essential
for ecological balance and well being of humans as well!
As against the only 0.5% pests, the beneficial insects
provide many services without charging a penny
these include being providers- food for fish, wild life
good protein source, honey from honey bees
big source of revenue in Mexico, silk worms give silk
contribute to dyes, cosmetics, medical & industrial products
its larvae serves as balm for wounds..
Its regulatory role include keeping in check
harmful pests, weeds, naturally sans harmful chemicals
assisting in decomposing dung of livestock
so essential for controlling population of flies
The supporting role of the "Mighty little beings' also crucial
2/3rd of land eco system depends on them for its pollination
the bees, beetles, butterflies, moths and the like
the beneficial beings release essential nutrients** back into the soil
the frass (feces) of some, excellent soil fertility enhancers
they create nutrient rich patches benefiting plant growth
Then the speaker also spoke about cultural significance
of insects in art and symbolism, in language, literature
Haven't we heard expressions like "Busy as a bee"
the ant-grasshopper story in Aesop's fables
insect inspired music compositions***, movies?
This dear readers, is only a layman's account
of what he could catch about these "Unsung heroes"
who continue to be ' undervalued until lost'
for a detailed account, you will have to hear it
from the horse's mouth when she chooses to speak next
be it in Bangalore or on an online platform!
* National bureau of agricultural insect resources : Dr Ballal also outlined during talk the (1) conservation/protecting, (2) classical ( managing invasive pest) and (3) augmentation (releasing additional natural enemies of pests) services of NBAIR
** like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
*** Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee"
NB: I am thankful to Dr Ballal and the Bangalore Room for the invitation that culminated into a rewarding evening.
