BANDIPORA, JUNE 30: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bandipora-1, Sher e Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, in collaboration with the Division of Entomology, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar, Tuesday organized a one day awareness programme on “Apple Leaf Blotch Miner and its Management.”
The programme, as per an official statement, aimed to create awareness among apple growers regarding the identification, surveillance, damage symptoms, and scientific management of the emerging invasive pest. A large number of apple growers from different villages of Bandipora district participated in the programme along with scientists from SKUAST-Kashmir, officials of the Department of Horticulture, Bandipora, and KVK Bandipora 1.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Tariq Sultan, Head, KVK Bandipora-1, emphasized the importance of timely awareness programmes for protecting apple orchards from emerging insect pests. He urged growers to remain vigilant, monitor their orchards regularly, and adopt scientific recommendations for effective pest management.
Dr. Barkat Hussain, Professor, Division of Entomology, SKUAST-Kashmir, highlighted the importance of early detection, regular surveillance, and coordinated efforts among scientists, extension agencies, and farmers to contain the spread of Apple Leaf Blotch Miner.
Dr. Zewar Hussain, Associate Professor, Division of Entomology, explained the methods of field surveillance, pest identification, and monitoring techniques. He advised farmers to inspect their orchards regularly and seek timely technical guidance whenever infestations are observed.
Dr. Sajad Ahmad, Assistant Professor, Division of Entomology, SKUAST-Kashmir, delivered the keynote technical lecture on the biology, life cycle, damage symptoms, and integrated management of Apple Leaf Blotch Miner. He emphasized orchard sanitation, destruction of fallen leaves and infested debris, scraping of loose bark, installation of pheromone and sticky traps, conservation of natural enemies, and timely application of recommended insecticides for effective management of the pest.
Dr. Tahir Saleem, Subject Matter Specialist, Vegetable Science, KVK Bandipora-1, highlighted the importance of scientific orchard management practices, balanced nutrition, and timely advisory services for maintaining healthy orchards and improving apple productivity. He encouraged farmers to remain in regular contact with KVK Bandipora-1 for need based technical guidance.
Shabnum Mumtaz, Subject Matter Specialist, Entomology, KVK Bandipora-1, emphasized the importance of early pest surveillance, orchard sanitation, and adoption of integrated pest management practices for effective control of Apple Leaf Blotch Miner. She advised farmers to regularly monitor their orchards and report any unusual pest incidence for timely scientific intervention.
During the interactive session, farmers raised several queries regarding the identification and management of Apple Leaf Blotch Miner, which were satisfactorily addressed by the experts.
The programme concluded with the commitment of KVK Bandipora-1, the Division of Entomology, SKUAST-Kashmir, and the Department of Horticulture, Bandipora, to strengthen farmer awareness and promote sustainable management of emerging pests in apple orchards.
The programme was also attended by Mohd Abbas, Horticulture Development Officer (HDO), Bandipora, officials of the Department of Horticulture, Bandipora, scientists from SKUAST-Kashmir, officials of KVK Bandipora-1, and a large number of progressive apple growers from different villages of the district.
