Danish Mirza Kulgam, Dec 26:
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) conducted a one-day ‘Mass Awareness cum Farmer-Scientist Interaction on Apple Blotch Leaf Miner’ at the Conference hall, mini-secretariat Kulgam. The event, organized by SKUAST-K’s Division of Entomology, Faculty of Horticulture, was part of the ‘Minimization of Pesticide Use in Agriculture’ Project under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP).
Presided over by Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Showkat Ahmad Rather, the program emphasized adherence to advisories and instructions from the Horticulture department and the University.
Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Paray, Professor and Head of the Division of Entomology at SKUAST-K, highlighted the institution’s commitment to the well-being of the farming community. Chief Horticulture Officer Kulgam, Liyaqat Ali, outlined the department’s campaign to make orchards free from the leaf miner and other diseases.
A detailed discussion ensued between scientists and orchardists during the program for effective Apple Blotch Leaf Miner management. The technical session, led by Dr. Malik Mukhtar, Associate Professor, Division of Entomology, covered the biology, nature of damage, and management strategies. Dr. Barkat Hussain, Professor, Entomology, stressed the significance of using pheromone traps in orchards.
In the valedictory session, orchardists received pheromone traps, literature, and advisories for effective Apple Blotch Leaf Miner management, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
