Shuhama, August 31 (KNS) : Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Ganderbal, SKUAST-Kashmir, in collaboration with the Division of Entomology, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-K, organised a one-day Awareness-cum-Training and Input Distribution Programme on Biological Control of Insect Pests under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Biological Control of Crop Pests, to promote eco-friendly plant protection and sustainable farming practices in the district.
The programme, held at the KVK campus, brought together local farmers, orchardists and farm women and focused on reducing dependence on synthetic chemical pesticides through biological control and other environmentally sustainable approaches.
The session commenced with an introduction and welcome address by Dr. Faiqa Syeed, Scientist, KVK Ganderbal. Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Malik, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Ganderbal, highlighted natural farming practices for promoting organic and sustainable agriculture in the district. He said that adoption of biological solutions could help farmers reduce cultivation costs while maintaining competitive yields.
Chief Guest Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-K, emphasised the importance of natural farming and biological control in safeguarding soil and water health, conserving biodiversity and restoring ecological balance.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelShe urged farmers to adopt modern and sustainable farming systems with technical guidance from KVK Ganderbal to enhance farm incomes.
Prof. Shaheen Gul, Professor and Head, Division of Entomology, and Prof. Sajad Mohi-ud-Din, Principal Investigator, AICRP on Biological Control, highlighted the role of biological control in sustainable agriculture. They noted that the use of bio-inputs can reduce farmers' dependence on costly chemical pesticides while supporting soil health and ecological balance.
Dr. Mudasir Gani Bhat, Scientist, Division of Entomology, delivered a detailed presentation on the biological control of insect pests in apple, covering the relevance of eco-friendly pest management in orchard production.
An interactive session followed, during which participants engaged with the experts and discussed various aspects of biological pest management and organic farming systems. Bio-inputs were also distributed among the participants to facilitate the adoption of biological control practices at the farm level.
The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Suja Nabi Qureshi, Scientist, KVK Ganderbal.(KNS)