Dimapur, Oct. 14 (EMN): A four-day integrated pest management training programme organised by the department of Agriculture was conducted during Oct. 9-12. The event was conducted at the Integrated Extension Training Centre (IETC) of Medziphema. 34 trainees from districts and sub-divisions attended the training programme, the organisers of the event, IETC, informed in a press release.
Integrated pest management, also known as integrated pest control, is a broad-based approach that integrates practices for economic control of pests. Entomologists and ecologists have urged the adoption of pest management and pest control since the 1970s. Integrated pest management allows for what are generally considered safer pest control measures.
The introduction and spread of invasive species can also be managed with IPM by reducing risks while maximizing benefits and reducing costs.
The resource persons trained the participants in control measures, and educating them about major pest and diseases on cereals, oilseeds, pulses, cucurbits, and how to control them. The trainees were also taken on a field trip to ‘release bio-agents,’ according to the press release.
The resource persons were Hewoto Sema, district agriculture officer of Peren district; joint directors of Agriculture Jacob Yanthan, and K Renphamo Lotha; and Senezo Nienu, deputy director of agriculture.
During the valedictory function, the director of agriculture G Ikuto Zhimomi highlighted integrated pest management and its control methods, and the ‘cultural, physical, biological and chemical techniques’ involved. He said that the integrated pest management aims to suppress pest population below the economic injury level.
The trainees were given certificates at the conclusion of the training programme, the organisers added.