SKUAST-K advocates smart pesticide use for sustainable agriculture

Srinagar, Mar 20: SKUAST-Kashmir hosted a Farmer's Training Programme on "Safe and Judicious Use of Pesticides & Adopting IPM Practices" in collaboration with HIL (India) Ltd., under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India. The programme aimed to promote sustainable agricultural practices and responsible pesticide usage.

Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director of Extension/Education, was the Guest of Honour. Representatives from HIL (India) Ltd including Shankar Choudhary, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Kuldeep Singh, CMD, and Shushank Chaturvedi, DM, formed the core team. Scientists, media personnel, and farmers from various districts of the valley attended the programme.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Ganai highlighted the country's achievements in food security and the role of various agencies during the Green Revolution. However, he emphasized the adverse impacts of indiscriminate chemical fertilizer and pesticide use on the environment and health. He stressed the moral duty to exercise purity of soul and care for the environment during the holy month of Ramadhan by adopting smart agricultural technologies, including nano-fertilizers.

Prof. Makhdoomi emphasized the importance of integrated farming systems to minimize pesticide use. He encouraged the predominant use of bio-pesticides and bio-fertilizers in agriculture and allied sectors to prevent environmental and health damage. He highlighted the university's and government's initiatives in technology dissemination to farmers in association with other departments, including the provision of drones at the block level and the creation of "Drone Didi" for precision agriculture.

The event featured a film screening on judicious pesticide use, followed by a quiz programme for farmers, with winners receiving awards and safety kits.

Shankar Chaudhary highlighted the importance of indigenous farming practices, such as using neem, vermicompost, and traditional knowledge. Shri Kuldeep Singh emphasized using genuine pesticides purchased from registered dealers to curb indiscriminate use, while Shri Shushank Chaturvedi provided details on HIL's role and product offerings.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Davinder Gupta, Assistant Manager, Marketing, HIL (India) Ltd.