A Five-Day Human Resource Development (HRD) Programme on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was inaugurated today at Kisan Kendra, Talab Tillo. The event, organized by the Central Integrated Pest Management Centre Jammu, was inaugurated by Director Agriculture Jammu, S. Arvinder Singh Reen.
The participants included Joint Director (Extension) Agriculture, Satish Sharma; Professor & Head of Plant Pathology, SKUAST-J, Dr. Vishal Gupta; Deputy Director (Training), Alok Pandotra; Plant Protection Officer (PPO) Jammu, Madan Lal; Assistant Director Law Enforcement (ADLE), Kuldeep Singh; and Deputy Director (Plant Protection) CIPMC Jammu, Dr. Mithilesh Kumar Arya.
The HRD programme has been designed to enhance participants' understanding of the safe and judicious use of pesticides, promote the use of CIB&RC- approved pesticides, and highlight the role of botanicals in agriculture for achieving sustainable agricultural practices.
Specifically, the programme aims to provide practical insights and technical knowledge to 40 pesticide dealers and progressive farmers from the Jammu Division. In his inaugural address, the Director emphasised the crucial importance of adopting best practices for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to maintain environmental sustainability and enhancing crop productivity.
He stressed the need to educate both farmers and pesticide dealers on the correct application of chemicals and the long-term benefits of using approved and safe pesticides. He elaborated on the role of IPM in maintaining a balanced ecosystem while safeguarding crop health.
He highlighted several IPM techniques, including biological control, cultural practices, and the use of resistant crop varieties. Director Agriculture also underscored the need for farmers to adopt these environmentally friendly practices to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.
Joint Director (Extension) Satish Sharma also addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of such training programmes in empowering farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively tackle pest-related challenges.
Prof. Dr. Vishal Gupta from SKUAST-J shared insights into the latest advancements in plant pathology and their applications in IPM, while Dr. Mithilesh Kumar Arya provided valuable perspectives on plant protection strategies.
Both emphasized the significance of training programmes like this one in raising awareness within the pesticide dealers and farming community. The five-day programme will feature resource persons from the Agriculture Department Jammu, Central Integrated Pest Management Centre Jammu, SKUAST Jammu, and KVK Jammu, all of whom will offer expert knowledge on various aspects of Integrated Pest Management.
The programme promises to equip participants with valuable tools for adopting safe and effective pest management practices, ultimately promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the region.