SKUAST-K conducts awareness on ‘Apple Blotch Leaf Miner’ in Anantnag

Srinagar, Jan 2: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir conducted a one-day program on ‘Mass Awareness cum Farmer-Scientist Interaction on Apple Blotch Leaf Miner’ at Dak Bungalow, Anantnag.

The program was organised by the SKUAST-K’s Division of Entomology, Faculty of Horticulture under the ‘Minimisation of Pesticide Use in Agriculture’ project of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).

Joint Director, Department of Horticulture, Kashmir, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, who was the chief guest, presented the current status of Apple Blotch Miners in the district Anantnag and urged orchardists to stick to the advisory issued by SKUAST-K for the effective management of this menace. Head, Division of Entomology, SKUAST-K, Prof Manzoor Ahmad Paray, elucidated the contribution of the scientists of SKUAST-K in developing management strategies against this pest. He reassured orchardists of the institution's commitment to providing comprehensive support in combating this pest.

Chief Agriculture Officer, Anantnag, Aijaz Ahmad, commended the active engagement of the youth in the program and their enthusiastic involvement in contributing to the advancements of the agriculture sector. Program Coordinator, KVK Anantnag, Dr Ishtiyaq Ahmad Khan, apprised orchardists of potential threats to the industry and conveyed information regarding the pest's propensity to propagate from one orchard to another. The officers from the Horticulture Department of District Anantnag were also present at the event.

Dr Malik Mukhtar, in the technical session, raised the curtain on the biology, nature of damage, possible causes of spread, economic threshold level and management of Apple Blotch Leaf Miner. Prof Barkat Hussain of Entomology conducted a demonstration on the installation of pheromone traps, elucidating their significance in orchards for mitigating the pest burden.