Srinagar, Mar 24: The All India Coordinated Research Project on Biological Control of Crop Pests (AICRP-BC), Division of Entomology, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-K Shalimar, organized a material distribution-cum-scientist–farmer interaction programme at KVK Budgam on March 24, 2026. The programme was supported by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (ICAR-NBAIR), Bengaluru.
Prof. (Dr.) Rahaina Habib Kanth, Director Extension, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and highlighted the importance of eco-friendly and sustainable pest management practices for improving farm productivity while safeguarding the environment.
Dr. Bilal Ahmad Lone, Professor & Head, KVK Budgam, sensitized the participating farmers on the effective utilization of the distributed materials for better crop management and enhanced yields.
During the programme, Dr. Sajad Mohi-ud-Din (Principal Investigator) and Dr. Mudasir Gani (Co-Principal Investigator) delivered comprehensive presentations on integrated insect pest management in pulses, maize, apple, and other crops, with special emphasis on biological control strategies. Dr.Sabia Akhter (SMS Agronomy) emphasized the importance of rajmash seed, vermicompost, pheromone traps, neem oil in sustainable agriculture. Dr.Shazia (SMS Soil science)delivered the vote of thanks.
Under the Tribal Sub-Plan initiative of ICAR-NBAIR, essential inputs including rajmash seed, vermicompost, pheromone traps, and neem oil were distributed among 50 tribal farmers of the area. The programme concluded with an interactive session, where farmers appreciated the initiative and acknowledged SKUAST-K’s efforts towards promoting eco-friendly pest management and sustainable agriculture.