Khowai, 20th of June, 2024 : Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Khowai, in collaboration with the ICAR-National Centre for Integrated Pest Management (NCIPM), New Delhi, successfully organized a seminar on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Sustainable Agriculture. This event was attended by 172 farmers from various parts of the district, reflecting the strong interest and commitment of the local farming community towards IPM and sustainable agricultural practices. The seminar commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and the ushering in of knowledge and enlightenment. This was followed by the felicitation of the esteemed guests with “Risha,” a traditional gesture of respect and honor.
Dr. Manoj Singh Sachan, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK, Khowai, delivered the welcome speech. He warmly greeted the attendees and provided an insightful overview of the activities undertaken by KVK Khowai. Dr. Sachan highlighted the significance of IPM in modern agriculture, emphasizing its role in enhancing crop productivity while ensuring environmental sustainability. He underscored the necessity of adopting IPM practices to mitigate the adverse effects of conventional pest control methods.
Dr. Ardhendu Chakraborty, SMS (Plant Protection) presented an elaborate explanation of ongoing project activities that benefit farmers. He discussed various eco-friendly pest management techniques currently being implemented. Dr. Chakraborty also shared future plans to expand IPM practices, emphasizing the importance of integrating multiple pest control methods to achieve sustainable agriculture. He has highlighted several successful case studies, demonstrating the positive impact of IPM on crop yields and farmer livelihoods.
Sri Sabendra Debbarma, Deputy Director, Horticulture (Khowai), further elaborated on the support systems available to farmers through horticultural advancements. Sri Debbarma stressed the importance of scientific management and the adoption of modern techniques to enhance profitability in horticulture. Sri Priyatosh Sarkar, Assistant Director, Department of Agriculture, addressed the gathering, providing valuable insights into various departmental schemes and projects designed to support farmers. He detailed how these initiatives offer financial and technical assistance, enabling farmers to adopt scientific management practices for commercial cultivation of diverse crops.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Mukesh Sehgal, Principal Scientist, ICAR-NCIPM, New Delhi. Dr. Sehgal captivated the audience with his extensive knowledge and experience in eco-friendly pest management. Dr. Sehgal emphasized that sustainable pest management is crucial for the long-term health of crops and the environment. He encouraged farmers to embrace IPM techniques, highlighting their effectiveness in controlling pests without harming beneficial insects and ecosystems. Dr. Sehgal shared success stories from various regions, demonstrating the positive impact of IPM on crop yields and farmer incomes. He concluded by stressing that the development of the nation is intrinsically linked to the development of its farmers. He called for collective efforts to support farmers in adopting sustainable practices for a healthier nation.
As a part of the seminar, various essential inputs were distributed among the farmers to support their agricultural practices. These included water pumps, seed oil press machines, spice grinders and biopesticides. The distribution of these inputs aimed to enhance the farmers’ capacity to implement IPM practices effectively and improve their overall productivity and entrepreneurship development. Dr. Mukesh Sehgal, accompanied by Dr. Manoj Singh Sachan and Dr. Ardhendu Chakraborty, inaugurated six vermicompost production units constructed by KVK Khowai with financial support from ICAR-NCIPM, New Delhi. These units were handed over to three progressive farmers of the Khowai district.
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Dipankar Dey, SMS (Soil Science). He expressed gratitude to all the guests, participants and organizers for their contributions to the seminar’s success. He appreciated the efforts of the KVK staff and the support from ICAR-National Centre for Integrated Pest Management.
The seminar underscored the need for eco-friendly pest management techniques and the role of scientific practices in enhancing agricultural productivity. It highlighted the various support systems available to farmers and encouraged them to adopt modern techniques for better yields and profitability. The interactive session further facilitated knowledge exchange, addressing specific concerns and providing practical solutions. As the seminar concluded, the message was clear: the development of the farming community is pivotal for the nation’s progress. By embracing sustainable practices and leveraging available support, farmers can contribute significantly to the agricultural growth and ecological balance of the region.
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