BANDIPORA, JUNE 23: Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC), Srinagar, Tuesday organized a National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) Training Programme and Khet Bachao Abhiyan at the District Agriculture Office, Sumbal, Bandipora, in collaboration with the Agriculture Department and local farmers.
The programme witnessed the participation of around 40 farmers and Agriculture Department officials. The event was chaired by District Agriculture Officer (Extension), Bandipora, Ghulam Hassan Mir, along with Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer (SDAO), Sumbal, Amit Sharma.
During the programme, Dr. Haroon Rashid Hakla, Assistant Plant Protection Officer, CIPMC Srinagar, demonstrated various Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tools and techniques. He also highlighted the importance of the safe, judicious, and quality use of pesticides for sustainable crop protection.
Abir Shankhari, Assistant Plant Protection Officer, delivered a detailed lecture and practical training on the functionality and application of the NPSS to Agriculture Department officials, emphasizing its role in timely pest monitoring and effective crop management.
Speaking on the occasion, the District Agriculture Officer (Extension) stressed the importance of adopting natural farming practices, exercising necessary precautions while spraying pesticides, and preventing the sale and purchase of spurious pesticides. He urged farmers and field functionaries to promote safe and sustainable agricultural practices for improved productivity and environmental protection.
The participants appreciated the programme, describing it as informative and highly beneficial. The training enhanced the knowledge and skills of both farmers and Agriculture Department officials regarding integrated pest management, pest surveillance, and responsible pesticide use.
