Srinagar, Dec 19: A mega awareness programme aimed at minimising pesticide use in agriculture was held at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bandipora-1 under the HADP Project-18. The event brought together agricultural scientists, experts and local authorities to advocate for sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices.
The Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Bandipora, Zaffar Shawl, who served as the chief guest, praised the contributions of scientists and extension workers for their dedication to disseminating advanced agricultural technologies and training farmers. He commended their efforts in driving progress across agriculture and allied sectors in the district.
Dr Tariq Sultan, Programme Coordinator at KVK Bandipora, emphasized the institution’s pivotal role in raising awareness among farmers about modern agricultural techniques. He highlighted KVK’s ongoing initiatives to train farmers and provide them with the necessary knowledge for sustainable farming practices.
Dr Tariq Rasool Rather, Chairman of HADP-18, delivered a comprehensive lecture on strategies to reduce pesticide use in agriculture. He stressed the importance of adopting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and other sustainable farming practices to ensure both safety and productivity in agriculture.
Dr Mudasir Ahmad, Assistant Professor of Entomology at the Faculty of Horticulture (FOH), SKUAST-K Shalimar, elaborated on non-chemical methods for addressing pest-related challenges. He detailed the effectiveness of biological control, cultural practices, and pest-resistant crop varieties as viable alternatives to chemical pesticides.
Other scientists, including Dr Tahir Saleem, Dr Nazir Ahmad Mir and Dr Saba Bukhari from KVK Bandipora, interacted with participants, answering queries and offering expert guidance on pest management and other agricultural concerns.
One of the key highlights of the programme was the distribution of Delta traps to apple growers in the district. These traps, essential tools for monitoring specific insect pests, aim to help farmers adopt proactive pest management practices and reduce their dependence on chemical pesticides.
