A field day and seminar on validation of integrated pest management in rice was organized by the Central Agriculture University of Post Graduate Studies in Agriculture Science, Umiam in collaboration with Ri Lajong Farmers Produce Organization at Nongpoh on Saturday.
The programme was funded by ICAR-NCIPM, New Delhi and a total of 60 farmers participated.
In the inaugural speech, associate professor Pranab Dutta said that the programme was organized to create awareness about the importance of biointensive pest management in rice cultivation.
The use of synthetic products can be reduced by the use of biopesticides as a component of the cultivation practices. This can increase the yield of the crop without much use of synthetic pesticides. This practice helps in maintaining the ecological balance with a safe environment and saving food, he further added.
During the seminar, a demonstration on application of biopesticides was shown to the farmers, as well as distribution of biopesticides and a field visit to the implementation area. During the seminar there was an interaction between the farmers and the scientists.
