Experts call for policy reforms, sustainable pest management, reduced agrochemical dependency to ensure crop and environmental health
SRINAGAR: A two-day National Symposium on “Technological Advancements: Emerging Trends in Entomology (ESI-ETE-2025)” began today at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar, bringing together leading scientists, policymakers and industry representatives to deliberate on sustainable pest management and future strategies for crop and environmental health.
The symposium is being organised by the Division of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST-K in collaboration with the Entomological Society of India (ESI). The event focuses on cutting-edge technologies, including digital entomology, precision pest management, insect biodiversity and conservation, genomics, insect–plant interactions and bio-entrepreneurship, with an aim to address emerging challenges posed by invasive pests, pesticide resistance, and climate-induced pest dynamics.
Delivering the inaugural address, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, said that Jammu and Kashmir’s agriculture stands at a pivotal juncture, witnessing rapid transformation driven by crop diversification, biotechnology and digital innovations. “These shifts have altered pest dynamics, leading to the emergence of new biotic stresses and invasive species that threaten food and environmental security,” he said. Prof Ganai emphasized SKUAST-K’s integrated initiatives – from agri-drone-based precision spraying and AI-enabled pest advisory systems to bio-intensive crop protection models and establishment of a Plant Quarantine and Biosecurity Centre -aimed at ensuring crop health, food safety and sustainability. He called upon the participating experts to develop a policy brief on exotic and invasive pest management and strategies for reducing agrochemical use in agriculture and horticulture for a resilient future.
Dr RS Chandel, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Himachal Pradesh, appreciated SKUAST-K for its scientific foresight and said, “The future of Indian horticulture depends on climate-smart pest management and strengthening of region-specific biological control programs. Universities like SKUAST-K are leading this scientific shift toward eco-compatible and profitable farming.”
Dr. J. P. Singh, Plant Protection Advisor, Government of India, highlighted the growing national concern over invasive and exotic pests, stressing that India needs a robust surveillance, quarantine, and rapid-response mechanism integrated with digital forecasting systems. “Policy-driven pest risk analysis and harmonized regulatory frameworks are the need of the hour,” he added.
Dr. V. B. Patel, Assistant Director General (Horticulture & Plantation Crops), ICAR, emphasized that pest and pollinator management must go hand in hand to ensure productivity and ecological balance. “The horticulture sector contributes over 33% to India’s agricultural GDP — protecting it through sustainable pest management will be pivotal for national food and nutritional security,” he noted.
Dr. N. K. Krishnakumar, Former Deputy Director General (Agriculture Education), ICAR, urged for renewed investment in capacity building and digital technologies in entomological research. “The next decade should be about developing a One-Health aligned pest management framework, connecting soil, plant, animal, and human health,” he said.
Dr. P. K. Chakrabarty, Former ADG (Plant Protection), ICAR & Member, ASRB, emphasized the importance of insect genomics, molecular diagnostics, and biosurveillance tools to predict pest outbreaks and reduce dependence on chemical pesticides. “We must move from reactive to predictive pest management through molecular and digital innovations,” he said.
Dr. H. R. Naik, Director Research, SKUAST-K, remarked that entomological research at SKUAST-K has evolved into a multidisciplinary endeavor encompassing pest ecology, genomics, and precision agriculture. “This symposium reinforces SKUAST-K’s commitment to science-led resilience in food and horticultural systems,” he stated.
Sandeep Kumar, Mission Director, Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), J&K, lauded SKUAST-K for aligning its programs with the UT’s transformative vision for sustainable agriculture. “Under HADP, J&K is investing heavily in plant health, protected cultivation, and digital extension systems. Collaborative research outcomes from such symposiums will directly feed into our implementation framework,” he said.
Representing the Entomological Society of India, Dr. V. V. Ramamurthy and Dr. Sachin Suroshe appreciated SKUAST-K for hosting the event and said that national collaboration is essential to combat pest threats under changing agro-climatic conditions. “ESI is committed to working with universities and policymakers to mainstream entomology in climate action and bio-economy development,” they said.
The Organizing Secretary, Dr. Abu Manzer, welcomed the delegates and outlined the symposium’s scientific sessions. He highlighted that over 150 scientists and students from across the country are participating to share innovations in insect science, pest diagnostics, and sustainable crop protection technologies.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Dr Manzer, acknowledging the support of the Directorates of Research, Education, and Extension, Deans, faculty members, sponsors, and media partners.
The symposium will continue with technical sessions, panel discussions, and a valedictory function where key recommendations and a Policy Brief on Invasive Pest Management and Sustainable Crop Protection will be released.