Ganderbal, Jan 17: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K), through its Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Ganderbal, organized a day-long workshop-cum farmers-scientist interaction on Integrated Disease and Pest Management (IDP) in apple.
The event, held under the HADP project “Minimization of Pesticide Use in Agriculture,” focused on promoting sustainable farming practices while reducing chemical pesticide dependency. Welcoming the participants, Dr. Shuja Nabi Qureshi, Scientist at KVK Ganderbal, introduced the principles of Integrated Disease and Pest Management in Apple, emphasizing its importance for sustainable farming in Jammu and Kashmir.
Prof. Ishfaq Abidi, Programme Coordinator, provided a comprehensive overview of IDP in apples and other key crops, urging farmers to adopt innovative techniques like automation and precision farming for better yields and sustainability. The farmers were briefed on effective pest and disease control measures, aiming to improve fruit quality and minimize environmental impact. Prof. Abidi also highlighted the potential of integrated farming to encourage entrepreneurial opportunities among farmers.
Prof. Tariq Rasool, Principal Investigator of the HADP project and Scientist in Plant Protection at SKUAST-K, delivered a detailed lecture on pest and disease management in apples and other fruit crops. He discussed the role of biopesticides, bio-fungicides, and plant-based products, particularly for high-density orchards, and stressed the importance of cluster orcharding, mechanization, nano-molecules, and bio-control agents in creating resilient agricultural systems.
Farmers engaged in interactive sessions where experts addressed queries about high-density planting, fertigation, and pest management. The workshop also included field visits to Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) units at KVK Ganderbal, led by Dr. Shaheen Farooq, Dr. Shuja, and Dr. Amir Wani.
Representatives from the Directorate of Agriculture and Horticulture also participated, apprising farmers of various HADP schemes. Farmers expressed gratitude for the knowledge shared and emphasized the need for similar programs in the future. The workshop concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Shaheen Farooq, leaving participants inspired to adopt innovative and environmentally-friendly farming practices to boost apple production in the Valley.
