This refers to Surinder Sud's column "Why every insect is not a pest" (Farm View, May 27). The power of insects is awesome. They have been around for over 500 million years and are the most varied form of life. After bacteria, they constitute the second largest species. Insects play a crucial role in pollination and make it possible for us to eat many types of fruits, vegetable and food. Our major food crops require pollinators and insects play a crucial role in this. Since India is a tropical country, the value of insects pollinating our crops will be far higher. As the writer says, less than five per cent of all insects are hazardous. Insects have medical applications as well. According to recent reports, diabetic and MRSA wounds can be healed with maggot therapy. Maggots secrete substances that clean wounds and speed up the healing process.
H N Ramakrishna Novi, Michigan
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