PULWAMA: Crop Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC), Srinagar, on Thursday organized a Khet Bachao Abhiyan at the field of progressive farmer Ghulam Nabi Ganai at Sether Gund village, Kakapora, Pulwama, in collaboration with the Agriculture Department and local farming community.
The programme witnessed the participation of around 30 farmers and aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices and creating awareness about the conservation of natural resources for safeguarding Mother Earth.
Speaking on the occasion, Assistant Plant Protection Officer, Abir Shankhari, demonstrated various tools and techniques of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and highlighted the importance of the safe and judicious use of pesticides. He also sensitized farmers about the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) Mobile Application and its role in pest monitoring and management.
Scientific Assistant, Kawal Nain Singh, delivered an informative lecture on the significance of 100 percent seed treatment and the conservation of natural enemies in crop ecosystems. He also demonstrated the use of neem oil, pesticide label claims, QR code verification, pheromone traps and yellow sticky traps as effective components of eco-friendly pest management.
Meanwhile, Junior Agriculture Extension Officer (JAEO), Kakapora, Ashiq Hussain, apprised the participants about the precautions to be observed while spraying pesticides and elaborated on the adverse effects of indiscriminate pesticide use on human health and the environment.
The participating farmers appreciated the initiative and actively interacted with experts on various aspects of integrated pest management and sustainable farming practices.