Two-days training programme on “Diagnosis of insect pests and diseases of horticultural crops of Coastal region and their management”
Two-days training programme on “Diagnosis of insect pests and diseases of horticultural crops of Coastal region and their management”
Plantation crops (coconut, arecanut, and cashew), vegetable crops (brinjal, chilli and cucurbits), fruit crops (mango, papaya and banana) and spice crops (black pepper, ginger and turmeric) are grown in considerable area in Goa. It is often reported that these crops are affected by insect pests and diseases leading to economic loss. One of the pre-requisites in the successful pest management is proper and timely diagnosis in the field. In this regard, a training programme on “Diagnosis of insect pests and diseases of horticultural crops of Coastal region and their management” was conducted by ICAR-CCARI, Goa on 29-30 January, 2019.
Over 35 people participated in the two-days training programme. The participants include zonal agricultural officers, agricultural officers from Directorate of agriculture, ATMA, extension personnel from NGOs, Private companies and progressive farmers from Goa.
The training was inaugurated by Dr. E.B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CCARI. In his address, he stressed the need for early detection and proper diagnosis of the insect pests and diseases to minimize the damage and economic loss. He emphasized the need of frequent refresher training programmes to the agricultural extension personnel involving in diagnosis of insect pest and disease problems. He urged the participants to interact with the experts to get more information during the training.
Detailed presentation and deliberations were conducted during the training by Dr. R. Ramesh, Principal Scientist (Plant Pathology) and Dr. R. Maruthadurai, Scientist (Agricultural Entomology), the course coordinators. All the pest and disease diagnosis and management aspects were discussed in detail and queries were answered. The participants were also taken to field units of ICAR-CCARI for field diagnosis of insect pest and disease problems. A manual on “Diagnosis of insect pests and diseases of plantation and spice crops of Goa” and many extension folders prepared by the scientists was provided to the participants to be used as reference material in the correction diagnosis of pests and diseases of horticultural crops and their management.