SKUAST-K conducts awareness programme on Apple Blotch Leaf Miner in Hajin

Hajin: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) division Entomology on Thursday organised a one-day Mass Awareness-cum-Farmer-Scientist Interaction Programme on Apple Blotch Leaf Miner at the Town Hall, Municipal Committee Hajin. The programme was organised by the Division of Entomology, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-K, under the ‘Minimisation of Pesticide Use in Agriculture’ project of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). Programme Coordinator Prof. Parveena Bano, in her welcome address, welcomed the participants and highlighted the significance of organising the awareness programme. She stressed the need for timely dissemination of scientific knowledge among apple growers to effectively manage the emerging threat of the Apple Blotch Leaf Miner and minimise crop losses. Chief Agriculture Officer, Bandipora, Javid Iqbal, who was the chief guest, highlighted the current status of the Apple Blotch Leaf Miner and urged orchardists to strictly follow the advisory issued by SKUAST-K for the effective management of the pest. Entomology, SKUAST-K, Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Paray, highlighted the university’s scientific interventions and research in developing effective management strategies against the pest. He assured orchardists of the institution’s continued technical support in tackling the menace. Horticulture Development Officer (HDO), Sumbal, Sajad Hussain, appreciated the enthusiastic participation of farmers and youth in the awareness programme and stressed the importance of adopting scientific practices for sustainable horticulture. He apprised orchardists of the potential threat posed by the Apple Blotch Leaf Miner and explained how the pest spreads rapidly from one orchard to another if timely preventive measures are not adopted. During the technical session, experts from the Division of Entomology demonstrated the installation and use of pheromone traps, explaining their role in monitoring and reducing the pest population in orchards. The scientists also interacted with farmers and addressed their queries regarding the identification and integrated management of the Apple Blotch Leaf Miner. In the end interaction session was held in which orchardists raised several issues related to the use of pesticides, pest management, and other challenges affecting apple cultivation. Experts addressed their concerns and provided scientific guidance on effective and safe pest control measures. Among others Dr.Rizwana associate professor SKAUST_K,Gh Rasool Hajam, Ms. Shabnum Mumtaz,Dr.Bilal of KVK were also present on the occasion.