Farmer awareness program at NEHU, Tura campus

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Date: Mar 20, 2024

Farmer awareness program on ‘Safe and judicious use of pesticide and application of new generation formulation for crop protection in vegetable crop’ was organised by Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT), Gurugram, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Govt. of India in collaboration with Department of Agribusiness Management and Food Technology (ABMFT), North- Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Tura campus on 20^th March 2024 in NEHU, Tura campus, Meghalaya. The workshop focused on popularization of the use of locally available botanicals and bio-pesticides along with zero budget formulations to minimize the pesticide residues.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest, Prof. P S Shukla, Hon’ble Vice- Chancellor, NEHU, who himself is an agricultural scientist, highlighted the growing need of organic and natural farming. He also acknowledged that programmes like this shall not only attempt to help farmers of the region to get information regarding scientific research and new knowledge in agricultural practices, but shall also provide students of the university to have grassroots exposure and experience. Prof. Sujata Gurudev, Campus Director, NEHU, Tura Campus focussed on the preservation of indigenous knowledge, indigenous crop variety and our ancient wisdom along with judicious use of technology. Dr. Mohana Krishna Reddy Mudiam, Director, IPFT, Gurugram, spoke about how excessive use of pesticide is harmful for both soil and human health and how we should adopt bio pesticides to counter the problem. While welcoming the guests, Prof. Deepak Bhagat, Head, ABMFT, NEHU, Tura Campus highlighted the “Agriculture Extension Series” of the department of ABMFT, NEHU, Tura.  He also appraised the farmers on the various testing and food processing equipments available in department. Coordinator of the programme Dr. Gino A Sangma, Assistant Professor, spoke about the programme and its objectives. Vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Sheena Haorongbam, Assistant Professor, Department of ABMFT, NEHU, Tura.

In the Technical Session, Dr. Amrish Agarwal and Dr. Deepak Jaiswal spoke on bio pesticides and good agricultural Practices. The technical session was moderated by Dr. Dr. Kalkame Ch. Momin, Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture, NEHU, Tura Campus. The farmers were provided at kit bag with field glasses, hand gloves, T-shirt along with the user manual. More than 350 farmers from Garo Hills participated in the programme. Towards the end of the workshop the farmers expressed their satisfaction and requested for many such programmes by the university.