National Symposium on technological advancements in entomology begins at SKUAST-K

Srinagar, Oct 8: A two-day National Symposium on “Technological Advancements: Emerging Trends in Entomology (ESI-ETE-2025)” began at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar, bringing together leading scientists, policymakers and industry representatives to deliberate on sustainable pest management and future strategies for crop and environmental health, said a press release.

The symposium is being organised by the Division of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST-K in collaboration with the Entomological Society of India (ESI).

The event focuses on cutting-edge technologies, including digital entomology, precision pest management, insect biodiversity and conservation, genomics, insect–plant interactions and bio-entrepreneurship, with an aim to address emerging challenges posed by invasive pests, pesticide resistance, and climate-induced pest dynamics.

Delivering the inaugural address, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, said that Jammu and Kashmir’s agriculture stands at a pivotal juncture, witnessing rapid transformation driven by crop diversification, biotechnology and digital innovations. “These shifts have altered pest dynamics, leading to the emergence of new biotic stresses and invasive species that threaten food and environmental security,” he said.

Prof Ganai emphasized SKUAST-K’s integrated initiatives - from agri-drone-based precision spraying and AI-enabled pest advisory systems to bio-intensive crop protection models and establishment of a Plant Quarantine and Biosecurity Centre -aimed at ensuring crop health, food safety and sustainability. He called upon the participating experts to develop a policy brief on exotic and invasive pest management and strategies for reducing agrochemical use in agriculture and horticulture for a resilient future.

Dr RS Chandel, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Himachal Pradesh, appreciated SKUAST-K for its scientific foresight and said, “The future of Indian horticulture depends on climate-smart pest management and strengthening of region-specific biological control programs. Universities like SKUAST-K are leading this scientific shift toward eco-compatible and profitable farming.”

Dr. J. P. Singh, Plant Protection Advisor, Government of India, highlighted the growing national concern over invasive and exotic pests, stressing that India needs a robust surveillance, quarantine, and rapid-response mechanism integrated with digital forecasting systems.

Dr. V. B. Patel, Assistant Director General (Horticulture & Plantation Crops),., Dr. N. K. Krishnakumar, Former Deputy Director General (Agriculture Education), ICAR, Dr. P. K. Chakrabarty, Former ADG (Plant Protection), ICAR & Member, ASRB, Dr. H. R. Naik, Director Research, SKUAST-K, Sandeep Kumar, Mission Director, Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), J&K also spoke at the event.

Representing the Entomological Society of India, Dr. V. V. Ramamurthy and Dr. Sachin Suroshe appreciated SKUAST-K for hosting the event. The symposium will continue with technical sessions, panel discussions, and a valedictory function where key recommendations and a Policy Brief on Invasive Pest Management and Sustainable Crop Protection will be released.