Srinagar, Mar 20: Farmer’s Training programme on “Safe and Judicious use of Pesticides & adopting IPM practices” was conducted by HIL (India) Ltd. Department of Chemical & Petrochemicals under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Govt. of India in collaboration with Directorate of Extension,at SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar on Wednesday.
Vice Chancellor, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai of SKUAST-Kashmir was Chief Guest on the occasion & Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi Director Extension/Education was the Guest of Honour. Shankar Choudhary Deputy Secretary Ministry of Chemical & Fertilizers – GoI, Shri Kuldeep Singh CMD HIL (India) Ltd., Shushank Chaturvedi DM HIL (India) Ltd. constituted the core team from HIL (india) Ltd who participated, Scientists of Directorate of Extension, persons from media and farmers across different districts of valley formed the subjects of the programme
Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor while highlighting the achievements of the country in food security and sufficiency and the role played by various agencies during green revolution with concurrent adverse impacts on environment & health by resorting to indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. He stressed that during the current holy month of Ramadan it is our moral duty that not only; we should exercise purity of souls but also should take care of environment and surrounding using smart agricultural technologies including nano-fertilizers.
Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension emphasized on the importance of integrate farming system so as to achieve objective of minimal pesticides use. He stressed to use bio- pesticides and bio fertilizers more predominantly in agriculture and allied sectors to prevent damage to environment and health. He highlighted the various initiatives of university and government in technology dissemination to farmers in association with other departments.
He also deliberated that the provision of drones at block level and creation of “Drone Didi” for minimal use of fertilizers, pesticide and precession agriculture. Later a film on judicious use of pesticides was screened that delighted and illuminated the farming xcommunity who attended the programme.
The Unique feature of the program remained that following film screening a quiz program among farmers was held and winners were awarded and safety kits also were distributed among the participating farmers.
Shankar Chaudhary, Deputy Secretary Chemicals and Fertilizers highlighted the importance of indigenous farming practices like use of neem, vermi-compost and other traditional knowledge and practices. He also highlighted the bio-pesticide production by HIL (India) Ltd and the government initiatives for sustainable agriculture production.
Kuldeep Singh CMD HIL (India) Ltd in his speech emphasized on the use of genuine pesticides and their purchase from registered dealers so that the indiscriminate use of pesticides can be curbed. Moreover, he highlighted the various practices and measures to be taken for safe disposal of pesticide containers and bags to prevent environmental contamination.
Shushank Chaturvedi DM HIL during his speech said about the genesis and role of HIL. He provided the details of various products like seeds, pesticides and fertilizers to public health that are provided from various production plants of the HIL.
The programme ended with vote of thanks by Davinder Gupta, Assistant Manager, Marketing HIL (India) Ltd.
