JAMMU, FEBRUARY 14: A two-day Human Resource Development (HRD) Programme on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was inaugurated today at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Agriculture, Talab Tillo, Jammu. The programme is being organised by the Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC) Jammu in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Jammu.
Director Agriculture Jammu Anil Gupta presided over the inaugural session as the chief guest.
Prominent officers present included Joint Director Agriculture (Extension) Sanjay Anand, Deputy Director Agriculture (Central) Sanjeev Rai Gupta, Plant Protection Officer (PPO) Raju Mahajan, Deputy Director (Plant Protection) CIPMC Jammu Dr Mithilesh Kumar Arya, Assistant Director (Law Enforcement) Kuldeep Singh, ASCO (I&P) Sanjeev Mehta, Programme Officer Vivek Mahajan and Assistant Plant Protection Officer (Entomology) Ravi Kumar Chhapare.
In his inaugural address, Director Agriculture Jammu Anil Gupta emphasised the significance of capacity building for field functionaries and farmers in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. He highlighted the need to adopt eco-friendly and need-based pest management strategies to reduce the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides, ensure safe food production, safeguard environmental health and enhance farmers’ income.
Sanjay Anand delivered a detailed presentation on the safe and judicious use of pesticides. He elaborated on recommended dosages, proper timing and method of application, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), compliance with label claims and the importance of spreading awareness among farmers regarding the hazards associated with pesticide misuse.
Dr Mithilesh Kumar Arya made a comprehensive presentation on IPM and the safe use of pesticides. He explained the core principles of IPM, including pest surveillance, monitoring based on Economic Threshold Levels (ETLs), biological control measures, resistance management and integrated strategies to minimize environmental and health risks.
PPO Raju Mahajan addressed the gathering and reiterated the need for strengthening field-level implementation of IPM practices. He called upon the officers to work in close coordination to ensure that farmers adopt scientific and sustainable pest management techniques. He also sensitised the officers about creating awareness regarding the toxicity classification of pesticides as indicated on product labels.
A technical session was conducted by Assistant Plant Protection Officer (Entomology) Ravi Kumar Chhapare, who provided insights into the National Pest Surveillance System. He elaborated on its role in real-time pest monitoring, early warning mechanisms and scientific decision-making to mitigate crop losses and strengthen field-level advisory services.
The programme witnessed active participation from field officials and farmers and is expected to further strengthen pest surveillance systems, promote responsible pesticide use and enhance sustainable agricultural productivity in the Jammu region.