Tomar inaugurates Integrated Biological Control laboratory in Hyderabad

The new Integrated Bio Control Laboratory (BC Lab) is a state-of-the-art laboratory in NIPHM

Narendra Singh Tomar, the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare inaugurated the Integrated Biological Control Laboratory at the National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM) Hyderabad, Telangana.

After inaugurating the lab, he emphasised that the use of biocontrol for pests is necessary to overcome the adverse effects of excessive pesticide use in different crops as well as to reduce the cost of cultivation and to increase farmers’ income. He underlined the need that the technologies developed in the laboratory should be taken to the farmers who have the least access to information so that they can be convinced about the benefits of these technologies. He emphasised that there should not be any pesticide residue in organically produced agricultural commodities which are being exported to foreign markets to keep up with the brand image of the Country. He congratulated all the staff and officials of NIPHM on the new Integrated Biocontrol Laboratory building and expressed hope that they will rededicate themselves to the cause of taking the technology to the farmers.

The new Integrated Bio Control Laboratory (BC Lab) is a state-of-the-art laboratory in NIPHM, that has facilities for giving hands-on experience on production methodologies for Biopesticides, Biocontrol agents like predators and parasitoids, Entomopathogenic fungi, Biofertilisers, NPV, Pheromone and Botanicals. The use of bio-control agents, bio-pesticides, and bio-fertilisers will help in reducing the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers, consequently, reducing the adverse effects on the environment and human health and contributing to improved Soil and Plant Health. The BC Lab will also have an Insect Museum, weed museum, exhibition hall, Natural Farming Cell etc. to showcase the specimens of agriculturally important insects and weeds in the best preserved or live forms.

The new Integrated Biocontrol Laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, and the labs are staffed with highly qualified faculty members.NIPHM promotes sustainable agricultural practices such as Agro Ecosystem Analysis (AESA) and Ecological Engineering (EE) for pest management with enhanced use of different biological agents, bio-pesticides and bio-fertilizers. NIPHM is conducting regular training programs on various aspects of insect pests and disease management in different crops. The training programmes are attended by officers working in different states, scientists/academicians from Agricultural Universities, KVKs, ICAR institutes, students, farmers, DPPQ&S and private organisations.

The new Integrated Bio Control Laboratory (BC