Discussions were held on pesticide management and identification of various pests
FASC Amritsar recently organised an interaction with basmati growers in the village Madhu Chhanga to minimise the pesticide residues and for enhancing its export. 63 basmati growers participated.
Dr Rajiv Siwach, Chief GM, NABARD Regional Office, Punjab and Chandigarh UT was the chief guest of the occasion. He interacted with the basmati growers and listened to the problems being faced by the farmers. S Jaskirat Singh, DDM, NABARD also accompanied him on the occasion.
Dr Kamaljeet Singh Suri, Principal Scientist, Department of Entomology, PAU, Ludhiana and also PI of the project emphasised the use of non-chemical methods and biological methods for the management of insect pests. He put stress on not to use banned insecticides which cause residue problems and hence put a hurdle in basmati export. He demonstrated how to use pheromone traps for catching adults of stem borer.
Dr Gurmeet Singh, DES (Entomology), FASC, Amritsar and Co-PI of the project welcomed the participants and said that pesticides cause health hazards and hence their use should be minimised. He also gave a lecture on identification, nature of damage, symptoms and management of various insect pests in basmati crop.
Dr Narinderpal Singh DES (SM) advocated that the use of banned pesticides should be stopped immediately and also shared tips on the marketing of basmati. Dr Bikramjit Singh, DD(T), KVK, Amritsar was also present and made the farmers aware of the various facilities present and training run by the KVK. A field visit was also organised for the participants to make them familiar with various types of symptoms caused by insect pests and diseases. The camp ended with the vote of thanks by Dr Narinderpal Singh, DES (SM), FASC, Amritsar.
