SKUAST-Kashmir Conducts Awareness/Capacity Building Programme on Management of Apple Blotch Leaf Miner at Kupwara

Handwara : The Division of Entomology, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-Kashmir, in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Kupwara, and under the HADP projects “Minimizing Pesticides” and “Organic Farming,” successfully organized an Awareness/Capacity Building Programme on the Management of Apple Blotch Leaf Miner at the Environment Hall, Handwara, on tuesday The programme was attended by around 150 apple growers from different horticultural zones of District Kupwara.

The programme was graced by Dr. Sajad Mohiuddin Mir, Professor-cum-Chief Scientist and Programme Coordinator; Mr. Iftikhar Ahmad, District Horticulture Officer (DHO), Kupwara; Prof. Tariq H. Askarey and Dr. Mudasir Gani, Co-Coordinators; Dr. Faisal Ahmad Bhat, KVK Kupwara; and Dr. Khursheed Habib, HDO, along with Horticulture Development Officers (HDOs), field functionaries of the Department of Horticulture, and other officials.

During the programme, Dr. Sajad Mohiuddin Mir delivered a comprehensive technical presentation on Apple Blotch Leaf Miner. He elaborated on the pest’s identification, biology, seasonal incidence, nature of damage, monitoring techniques, economic importance, and integrated management strategies. He emphasized the adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, including orchard sanitation, conservation of natural enemies, pheromone-based technologies, regular monitoring, and the need-based use of registered insecticides for the effective and sustainable management of the pest. He also highlighted that timely management of the pest is essential to minimize crop losses and safeguard the livelihood of apple growers.

Dr. Mudasir Gani addressed the gathering and demonstrated various technologies and management practices that apple growers can adopt for the timely detection and effective management of the pest. Live demonstrations on the installation and use of pheromone traps and other monitoring technologies were conducted, which were highly appreciated by the participants.

Mr. Iftikhar Ahmad, Dr. Khursheed Habib, and Mr. Suhail Ahmad, HDO, also spoke on the occasion, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts among scientists, extension personnel, and farmers for effective pest management. They encouraged growers to adopt scientific recommendations and maintain regular interaction with technical experts to improve orchard health and productivity.

The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which farmers raised field-related issues and received expert guidance from the scientists and horticulture officers.

As part of the awareness initiative, extension literature, technical pamphlets on the management of Apple Blotch Leaf Miner, and pheromone traps were distributed among the participating farmers to promote timely monitoring and adoption of scientific pest management practices in their orchards.

The participants appreciated the initiative taken by SKUAST-Kashmir and the Department of Horticulture, Kupwara, and expressed the need for more such awareness and capacity-building programmes in the future.

The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Suhail Ahmad, Horticulture Development Officer (HDO), who expressed his sincere gratitude to the distinguished guests, scientists, officers of the Department of Horticulture, participating apple growers, and all stakeholders for their active participation and valuable support in making the programme a grand success. He also acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the organizing team for the smooth and successful conduct of the event.