The aim of the training programme was to highlight the farmers on the identification and management of the various insect pests and diseases in the farmers’ field and creating awareness on the organic and integrated management of pests and diseases, an update stated.
In the first technical session on ‘Holistic management of insect pests in summer vegetable crops,’ Dr. Waluniba, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Entomology, SASRD, emphasised on the methodology and various ideas on the protection of vegetable crops including onion with the use of organic tactics.
He demonstrated on the use of pheromone traps in vegetable fields and how it could help in managing the male insects.
The second technical session was led by Dr. Nayan, Asst. Pathologist, AICRP (VC), SASRD, where he informed on the various ideas and means to identify common diseases in vegetable crops and how they could be managed by integrated means.
The training was attended by about 101 farmer participants. The programme started with a prayer by the Pastor of Lotsű village followed by a brief introduction from the village chairman.
The wrap-up session was conducted by Dr. Moakala Changkiri, Project Incharge, NEH Component & Scientist, AICRP-VC, SASRD, where she encouraged the farmers to be more active, especially in kitchen gardening and raising their standard of living.
Participants were distributed with good quality vegetable seeds for all season, other agri-inputs like neem oil, organic biofertiliser, hand cultivator, Long rake, agro shade nets, HDPE nets, battery operated sprayers, portable vermi beds, potable water pumps, wheelbarrow, etc.
Chairman of Lotsű village, on behalf of all the farmers, expressed gratitude to AICRP-VC, Department of Horticulture, SASRD: NU, NEH Component for Onion & Garlic and NEH Component of Vegetable Crops, for organising the training programme.