Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir today conducted a one-day ‘Mass Awareness cum Farmer-Scientist Interaction on Apple Blotch Leaf Miner’ here at the Conference hall mini-secretariat Kulgam. The programme was organized by the SKUAST-K Division of Entomology, Faculty of Horticulture, under the ‘Minimization of Pesticide Use in Agriculture’ Project of the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP).
Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Showkat Ahmad Rather presided over the programme. Speaking on the occasion ADDC urged the Farmers to adhere to the issued Advisories and instruction of the Horticulture department and University.
Addressing the participants Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Paray, Professor and Head of the Division of Entomology at SKUAST-K, apprised the participants that SKUAST-K, Department of Horticulture and Agriculture is working vigorously for the well being of the farming community. Chief Horticulture Officer Kulgam, Liyaqat Ali highlighted the ongoing departmental campaign aimed at making orchards free from the leaf miner and other diseases.
During the programme a threadbare discussion was held between scientists and orchardists for the effective management of apple Blotch Leaf Miner. The technical session commenced during which Dr Malik Mukhtar, Associate Professor, Division of Entomology, shed light on the biology, nature of damage and management of Apple Blotch Leaf Miner.
He emphasized the importance of diligently applying the advisory issued by SKUAST-K and cautioned farmers about the potential negative consequences if not strictly adhered to protocols/advisory issued from time to time. Dr. Barkat Hussain, Professor, Entomology, discussed the significance of employing pheromone traps in orchards.
During the valedictory session, pheromone traps (along with lures, dispensers, and liners), relevant literature, and advisories for the management of the Apple Blotch Leaf Miner were distributed among the orchardists.