Pulwama, Sept 15: The All India Coordinated Research Project on Biological Control of Crop Pests (AICRP-BC), Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar, organized an awareness programme on “Biological Control of Insect Pests of Temperate Fruit Crops” at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Pulwama, on September 15, 2026.
The programme was conducted in collaboration with KVK Pulwama, with the support of ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (ICAR-NBAIR), Bengaluru, with the objective of creating awareness among fruit growers about safer, sustainable and environmentally compatible approaches to pest management.
The programme was attended by Dr. Javaid Ahmad Mugloo, Head, KVK Pulwama; Prof. Sajad Mohi-ud-Din, Principal Investigator; Dr. Mudasir Gani Bhat, Principal and Co-Principal Investigator of AICRP-BC; scientists and technical staff of KVK Pulwama; scientists from the Division of Entomology, SKUAST-K; and 50 orchardists from different areas of Pulwama district.
Dr. Javaid Ahmad Mugloo interacted with the participating farmers and emphasized the need for strengthening farmer-oriented extension activities and facilitating the field-level adoption of scientifically recommended pest management technologies.
Speaking during the programme, the experts highlighted the growing importance of biological control, biopesticides and integrated pest management (IPM) in temperate fruit production. Particular emphasis was laid on reducing unnecessary dependence on chemical pesticides, conserving beneficial organisms and promoting pest management practices compatible with orchard ecology.
The technical component of the programme was led by Prof. Sajad Mohi-ud-Din and Dr. Mudasir Gani Bhat of AICRP-BC. The experts discussed important insect pests affecting apple and other temperate fruit crops and explained practical approaches for their management through biological control agents, biopesticides, monitoring and other eco-friendly interventions.
The farmers were also sensitized about the importance of timely pest surveillance and the need for adopting integrated management strategies based on pest incidence.
As part of the field-oriented outreach initiative, biopesticides and laboratory-produced bioagents were distributed among the participating orchardists to encourage their practical use and demonstrate the potential of biological control technologies under local orchard conditions.
An interactive farmer-scientist session was also held during the programme. Orchardists raised issues related to pest identification, pest incidence, timing of management interventions and the practical use of biological control products. The experts addressed their queries and provided guidance on adopting safer and scientifically sound pest management practices.
The programme served as a platform for bridging scientific knowledge with farmers’ field-level requirements and promoting biological control as an important component of sustainable pest management in the temperate fruit-growing areas of Kashmir.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Gowhar Nabi Parary, Assistant Professor, who expressed gratitude to the participating farmers, KVK Pulwama, scientists and technical staff for their contribution to the successful conduct of the programme.
