Bathinda, Mansa farmers learn eco-friendly pest control

Bathinda: A team from the Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC) conducted a survey and farmer awareness campaign across major cotton-growing areas in Bathinda and Mansa districts from Tuesday to Friday. The primary objective of the drive was to educate farmers on the critical importance of seed treatment to safeguard cotton crops from early-stage pests and diseases.During the field visits, scientists explained that proper pre-sowing seed treatment shields the crop from fungal infections and early pest onslaughts. This practice not only enhances initial crop growth and overall productivity but also significantly reduces subsequent cultivation costs for the farmers.The campaign placed a strong emphasis on integrated pest management practices and the adoption of biological methods to foster sustainable agriculture. To inspect the current condition of the cotton crops, the CIPMC team visited fields across several villages, including Kahenwala, Khiali Chianwali, and Moosa in Mansa district, as well as Kot Guru, Sangat Kalan, and Jai Singh Wala in Bathinda district.As part of the hands-on initiative, the team distributed pheromone traps and conducted live demonstrations on their proper installation and monitoring. The scientists also distributed laboratory-made trichoderma to serve as a biological disease management tool, highlighting how these natural alternatives effectively manage pests and diseases while reducing dependency on chemical pesticides.Additionally, farmers received guidance on controlling pests, managing diseases, and utilising modern agricultural technologies. The team encouraged the use of mobile applications, instructing farmers to upload photographs of pests and diseases to receive swift expert solutions, ultimately ensuring higher yields, lower input costs, and better environmental safety.MSID:: 131391647 413 |