New Delhi, Delhi, 16th of January, 2026 : Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) Secretary Ms. Nivedita Shukla Verma has stressed upon safe and regulated pesticide use to ensure agricultural sustainability and food safety.
The Secretary was addressing one-day Farmer Training Programme at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Srinagar, on 12th January 2026, on the theme “Safe and Judicious Use of Pesticides and Promotion of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Practices.”
The programme was jointly coordinated by HIL (India) Limited and SKUAST-K. The DCPC, secretary appreciated the collaborative efforts of HIL (India) Limited and SKUAST-K, and emphasised farmer training, adoption of IPM practices, and awareness generation as key strategies for reducing pesticide misuse.
Ms. Nivedita Shukla Verma, Secretary, DCPC, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, graced the event as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Maninder Kaur Dwivedi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, was the Guest of Honour. Senior officials from DCPC, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, UNIDO, HIL (India) Limited, SKUAST-K, and the Department of Agriculture, Kashmir, were also present.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation of 524 farmers from Srinagar and adjoining districts. A key highlight was the launch of an IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Compendium for regional vegetable crops, aimed at supporting farmers and extension workers. Sixteen Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) from the Srinagar region showcased local produce and value-added products, including honey, saffron, apricot-based products, and chillies.
An MoU was signed between HIL (India) Limited and SKUAST-K for the joint implementation of the GEF/UNIDO FARM Project (Financing Agrochemical Reduction and Management) in the Kashmir region.
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