Srinagar, Feb 05: Division of Entomology. FoH, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar conducted one day Mega ‘Mass Awareness cum Farmer-Scientist Interaction Programme on Apple Fruit Borer’ at Dak Bungalow, Sopore on Monday. Baramulla in collaboration with Department of Horticulture, Baramulla. The programme was organized under the Minimization of Pesticide Use in Agriculture Project of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).
The programme was presided by Dr. Shabir Ahmad Raina (JKAS), Additional Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, as Chief Guest. He stressed upon the farmers to come forward and get benefits from SKUAST-K and Department of Horticulture to improve the quality of horticulture produce. Professor Manzoor Ahmad Paray, Head, Division of Entomology gave the detailed information about Apple Fruit Borer, a newly introduced pest in valley and emphasized to manage this pest in its early stage before it spreads to whole valley. Mr. Shakeel-ur-Rehman, District Subject Matter Specialist, Baramulla praised the role of SKUAST-K in keeping Apple fruit Borer under check in District Baramulla and insisted the farmers to follow the Advisory being issued by SKUAST-K in letter and spirit. President, Fruit Grower Association, Sopore, stressed upon the farmers to refrain encouraging sale and use of spurious pesticides and fertilizers. District Horticulture officer, Baramulla Mr. R. P. Singh and other officers from Department of Horticulture and Agriculture, Baramulla were also present at the event.
On this occasion, Dr. Barkat Hussain, Chief Scientist, Entomology gave a detailed presentation about various aspects of the pest including its biology, mode of spread and management. He further highlighted the importance of Pheromone Technology in the management of various insect pests of apple. Dr. Sajad Hussain, Sr. scientist, Entomology gave a comprehensive information about Apple Blotch Leaf miner. There was a thread bare interaction between orchardists and scientists of SKUAST-K during the event.
During the valedictory session, pheromone traps along with lures, dispensers and liners, relevant and advisories for management of Apple Fruit Borer were distributed among the orchardists. The programme concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Mudasir Gani, Junior scientist, Division of Entomology.
