Farmer Field School Programme inaugurated at Ganderbal

GANDERBAL : The Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC), Srinagar, in collaboration with the State Agriculture Department, Ganderbal, inaugurated a “Farmer Field School Programme” at Village Khanpora, Ganderbal, today.
The programme was chaired by Dr. Vageesh Pandey, Deputy Director (E), CIPMC Srinagar and Ghulam Ahmad Rather, SMS (DL), Ganderbal, who was accompanied by Mushtaq Bhat, AEO, Wakoora.
At the outset, Ghulam Ahmad Rather, provided a brief introduction to the programme, along with an overview of the activities and schedule planned for the day.
Dr. Haroon Rashid Hakla, Assistant Plant Protection Officer (PP), delivered an informative introductory lecture and highlighted the importance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and its various benefits to farmers. He provided valuable insights into seed treatment, need-based application of chemicals, National Pest Surveillance System, and safe and judicious use of pesticides. He emphasized that the adoption of IPM practices can help farmers reduce unnecessary pesticide use while promoting sustainable and economically viable crop production.
Kawal Nain Singh, Scientific Assistant, shared his field experience with the participating farmers and explained the significance of adopting integrated pest management strategies for effective and sustainable pest control.
Abir Shankhari, Assistant Plant Protection Officer (WS), briefed the farmers on the objectives and scope of Integrated Pest Management, emphasizing its role in promoting environmentally safe and farmer-friendly crop protection practices.
Mushtaq Bhat, AEO, Wakoora, conducted a pre-evaluation test among the participating farmers to assess their existing knowledge and understanding of pest management practices. The participating farmers expressed their appreciation to the departments for organizing the programme and welcomed the initiative aimed at enhancing their knowledge and capacity regarding scientific, safe, and sustainable pest management practices.