The workshop aims to promote use of biological control of invasive crop pests for minimizing the use of synthetic pesticides and creating its awareness among entrepreneurs. 

The ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru and the Directorate of Extension Education, Central Agricultural University, Imphal jointly organized a two-day Workshop on “Biological Control of Crop Pests & Invasives and Utilization of Insects as Food in North East Region of India” at the College of Agriculture, CAU, Iroisemba, Imphal in recent. 

The workshop was organized under the Government of India, ICAR-NEH Fund for providing and promoting the use of biological control of crop pests with special reference to the invasive crop pests for minimizing the use of synthetic pesticides, promoting natural fauna of the region for biological control and creating the awareness of entrepreneurship among the farming community of the North-Eastern Hills Region. 

Dr Satyasai Kovvali, General Manager, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Regional Office, Imphal marked his presence as the Chief Guest during the occasion. The senior officials of ICAR Institutes and State Government Departments were also present during the occasion. 

The Chief Guest of the valedictory function, Prof. M. Premjit Singh, Vice-Chancellor, CAU, Imphal awarded the progressive farmers for presenting the novel ITKs and innovation on biological means of pests’ management. Prof. Singh also felicitated the trainees of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, State, and ACRIP for best FLDs and KVKs for the dissemination of technologies and input to farmers.

About 35 farmers and 25 KVK, State and ACRIP personals from 2 states – Manipur and Nagaland were the beneficiaries of the workshop.