3rd QRT meeting on pesticide residues begins at SKUAST-K

Srinagar, Dec 20: The 3rd Quinquennial Review Team QRT meeting of All India Network Project on Pesticide Residue (AINP) was organised by Research Centre for Residue and Quality Analysis (RCRQA), SKUAST-Kashmir, on December 20 at Shalimar Campus.

A statement said that the Meeting was attended by members of QRT team under the chairmanship of Dr P K Chakrabarty. The Inaugural function was presided over had Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir as Chief Guest. Besides Director Research, Dean faculty of Horticulture and Scientists of other AINP Centres from different states and Scientists of the RCRQA, Division of Plant Pathology and Entomology, were also present.

Vice Chancellor in his inaugural address stressed on environmental sustainability, food safety & security, improved quality and profitability and ensuring good soil health and biodiversity. He highlighted the importance of the policy framed by the University regarding the Pesticide use wherein he stressed on the importance of “Pesticide Residue Free Certificate” of Agriculture produce. He emphasized development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) modules for all the Crops especially Apple.

Chairman QRT, Prof P K Chakrabarty elaborated upon  the importance of Agri-export and the threats posed by the use of non-label claim pesticides. The meeting is supposed to discuss and deliberate on these issues and come up with the remedial measures. Dr. Vandana  Tripathy network coordinator, All India Network on Pesticide welcomed the dignitaries and participants and Dr. M Mukhtar, Head RCRQA SKUAST-K proposed the vote of thanks, it said.