Training programme on “Diagnosis of insect pests and diseases of plantation and spice crops of Goa”
Training programme on “Diagnosis of insect pests and diseases of plantation and spice crops of Goa”
Plantation crops (coconut, arecanut, and cashew) 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 plantation and spice crops of Goa” was conducted by ICAR Research Complex for Goa, Old Goa on 25th April, 2014. Over 50 people participated in the programme. The participants include zonal agricultural officers, agricultural officers from Directorate of agriculture, extension personnel from NGOs, Private companies and progressive farmers from Goa.
The training was inaugurated by Shri. P. Tufani, Director, Directorate of Agriculture, Govt. of Goa. In his address Shri. Tufani highlighted the important insect pests and diseases of plantation and spice crops of Goa and the associated practical problems in the control of pests and diseases. He emphasized the importance of integrated pest management for cashew stem and root borer, coconut bud rot, coconut red palm weevil, arecanut fruit rot, black pepper foot rot which are the major limiting factors in the productivity of these crops. He appealed that importance to be given biological control of pests and diseases to incorporate these practices in the organic cultivation.
Dr. Narendra Pratap Singh, Director, ICAR Research Complex for Goa in his address 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 preventive measures to tackle the pest problems. He suggested that series of training programmes would be organized if necessary to create awareness among the extension personnel and farmers. Further he added that ready-reckoner of cultivation practices for important crops will be made with the help of national horticultural mission. Dr. N.P. Singh informed the gathering that the farmers get higher income from arecanut and black pepper when plant protection measures are followed properly. 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, Senior 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. A manual on “Diagnosis of insect pests and diseases of plantation and spice crops of Goa” prepared by the scientists was provided to the participants which will be very useful in the correction diagnosis of pests and diseases of plantation and spice crops.