SKUAST-K holds awareness on ‘Apple Blotch Leaf Miner’ in Shopian

Srinagar, Dec 18: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir conducted a one-day program, ‘Mass Awareness cum Farmer-Scientist Interaction on Apple Blotch Leaf Miner’ in district Shopian.

A statement the programme 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 Program (HADP).

Additional District Development Commissioner, Dr Nasir Ahmad Lone, who was the chief guest, encouraged orchardists to engage with SKUAST-K for the latest advancements in pest management techniques and advised them to seek guidance from the Department of Horticulture for updated protocols.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Dr Zakir Hussain Faaz, stressed the importance of farmers embracing the latest technology and adhering to expert advice to effectively combat this pest. Joint Director, Department of Horticulture, Kashmir, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, highlighted the ongoing departmental campaign aimed at making orchards free from the menace. A threadbare discussion was held between scientists and orchardists for the effective management of Apple Blotch Leaf Miner.

The technical session commenced during which Dr Malik Mukhtar, Associate Professor, of Entomology, shed light on the biology, nature of damage and management of Apple Blotch Leaf Miner. He emphasized the importance of diligently applying the advisory issued by SKUAST-K and cautioned farmers about the potential negative consequences if not strictly adhered to protocols/advisory issued from time to time. Subsequently, Dr. Barkat Hussain, Professor, Entomology, discussed the significance of employing pheromone traps in orchards.

Dr Tariq Rasool, Associate Professor, Plant Pathology, highlighted the need for the safe use of pesticides in the fields. Dr Manzoor Ahmad Paray, Head of the Division of Entomology at SKUAST-K, concluded that all stakeholders, including the Department of Horticulture, SKUAST-K, and the Department of Agriculture, must collaborate for the well-being of the farming community.

During the valedictory session, pheromone traps (along with lures, dispensers, and liners), relevant literature, and advisories for the management of the Apple Blotch Leaf Miner were distributed among the orchardists.

Following the event, Faz Lul Haseeb, Deputy Commissioner of Shopian, interacted with the scientists of Division of Entomology, SKUAST-K, as well as officers from the Department of Horticulture and Agriculture, along with the president of pesticide dealers. During this interaction, he conveyed his assurance of full support and cooperation to both institutions in their efforts towards effective pest management.