khapra

Khapra refers to a significant pest in agriculture, scientifically known as Trogoderma granarium. It is a small beetle belonging to the family Dermestidae. Native to South Asia, the khapra beetle has spread globally, becoming a serious threat to stored grain and cereal products. Its small size and ability to survive in adverse conditions make it difficult to eradicate.

The khapra beetle larvae are the primary damaging stage. They are hairy and reddish-brown, feeding voraciously on a wide range of stored grains, including wheat, barley, rice, and maize. They can also infest processed cereals, dried fruits, and even animal feed. The larvae are particularly destructive as they consume the germ of the grain, reducing its nutritional value and viability. Infestations can lead to substantial economic losses for farmers and the food industry due to spoilage and contamination.

Khapra beetles are known for their resilience. They can survive for long periods without food and endure extreme temperatures and low humidity. This remarkable survival ability allows them to persist in empty storage facilities for years, posing a continuous risk of reinfestation. Their small size also enables them to enter packaging and storage containers, making containment challenging. Effective control measures involve strict hygiene in storage facilities, proper fumigation, and regular monitoring to detect and eliminate early infestations.