SRINAGAR: A valedictory function of 2 days Capacity Building Programme on “Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Horticulture and Agriculture Crops under inclement weather conditions” under the chairmanship of Prof. J.P. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-J&K was conducted on May 29, 2021 in which 70 participants registered online/offline.
The training programme comprised of a series of lectures by experts of the related fields. A Pre and Post evaluation of the participants was undertaken to ascertain the level of interest and gain of knowledge. In the valedictory address Prof. J.P. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST- J&K advised the participants to adopt the Practice of Extension beyond production. He emphasized the use of Artificial Intelligence/Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools/Community Radio and to incorporate lectures on ICT tools to reach the farmers. He put forth the view of combination of traditional and modern media by involving local folk artists who could communicate and convey our agriculture related messages to the participants. Vice Chancellor desired the Scientists of Extension to upload the extension related advisory and messages on You-tube regularly. Director Extension, Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi discussed the practical feasibility of application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Pest Management System and summed up the IPM strategy for pome, stone fruits, vegetables and protected cultivation. He emphasized the forecasting of emerging and re-emerging pests and pathogens occurring due to inclement weather conditions and advised the participants about devising strategies for managing such unforeseen infestation. The participants were given the Digital Certificate on the said occasion. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the chair.

KR Desk