CropLife India, an association of 16 R&D driven crop science companies, and the leading voice of the plant science industry in India, recently held a farmers’ education drive on Chili Thrips Management in Andhra Pradesh. The inauguration ceremony was held in Guntur; Dr Sujatha, Deputy Director of Horticulture, Government of Andhra Pradesh, being the Chief Guest. Present on the occasion are officials and entomologists of Dr YSR Horticulture University of Andhra Pradesh, Scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendra and Extension Officers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), distributors, retailers, member companies and other officials.

Dr  Sujatha, Deputy Director of Horticulture, Government of Andhra Pradesh spoke, “CropLife India will receive the full support of our State and District administrations in outreach to farmers on various aspects of the campaign. The campaign will explore all the possible avenues of outreach to farmers and spray-men through Field Training, cultural events, School Programmes, etc.; which will induce peer-to-peer learning among farmers and their families.”

The programme covers a wide range of topics such as transportation and secure storage of Crop Protection products, understanding the label, judicious and responsible use of Crop Protection products, personal health and hygiene, use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), correct spraying techniques, maintaining sprayers and nozzles and triple rinsing of used empty containers.