SKUAST-K Holds Awareness Programme on Eco-Friendly Pest Management for Pulwama Orchardists
KINS Desk
Pulwama, Sept 15 (KINS): The All India Coordinated Research Project on Biological Control of Crop Pests (AICRP-BC), Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (-K), Shalimar, organized an awareness programme on “Biological Control of Insect Pests of Temperate Fruit Crops” at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Pulwama, today on September 15, 2026. The programme was conducted in collaboration with KVK Pulwama with the support of ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (ICAR-NBAIR), Bengaluru, with the objective of creating awareness among fruit growers about safer, sustainable and environmentally compatible approaches to pest management.
The programme was attended by Dr. Javaid Ahmad Mugloo, Head, KVK Pulwama, Professor Sajad Mohi-ud-din Principal Investigator and Dr.Mudasir Gani Bhat, Principal and Co-Principal Investigator of The All India Coordinated Research Project on Biological Control of Crop Pests (AICRP-BC), scientists and technical staff of KVK Pulwama, scientists from the Division of Entomology, SKUAST-Kashmir, and 50 orchardists from different areas of District Pulwama.The programme brought together scientists, technical personnel, extension functionaries and 50 orchardists from different areas of District Pulwama. Dr. Javaid Ahmad Mugloo, Head, KVK Pulwama, interacted with the participating farmers and emphasized the need for strengthening farmer-oriented extension activities and facilitating the field-level adoption of scientifically recommended pest management technologies.
Speaking during the programme, the experts highlighted the growing importance of biological control, biopesticides and integrated pest management (IPM) in temperate fruit production. Particular emphasis was laid on reducing unnecessary dependence on chemical pesticides, conserving beneficial organisms and promoting pest management practices that are compatible with orchard ecology.
The technical component of the programme was led by Prof. Sajad Mohi-ud-Din, and Dr. Mudasir Gani Bhat AICRP-BC. The experts discussed important insect pests affecting apple and other temperate fruit crops and explained practical approaches for their management through biological control agents, biopesticides, monitoring and other eco-friendly interventions. The farmers were also sensitized about the importance of timely pest surveillance and need-based adoption of integrated management strategies.
As part of the field-oriented outreach initiative, biopesticides and laboratory-produced bioagents were distributed among the participating orchardists to encourage their practical use and demonstrate the potential of biological control technologies under local orchard conditions.
An interactive farmer-scientist session was also held during the programme. Orchardists raised issues related to pest identification, pest incidence, timing of management interventions and the practical use of biological control products. The experts addressed their queries and provided guidance on adopting safer and scientifically sound pest management practices.
The programme served as a useful platform for bridging scientific knowledge with farmers’ field-level requirements and for promoting biological control as an important component of sustainable pest management in the temperate fruit-growing areas of Kashmir. The participating orchardists appreciated the initiative and expressed willingness to incorporate biological and eco-friendly pest management practices in their orchards.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Gowhar Nabi Parary, Assistant Professor, who expressed gratitude to the participating farmers, KVK Pulwama, scientists and technical staff for their contribution to the successful conduct of the programme.
