Eight days High End training on Bio-pesticides concluded at SKUAST-K

Srinagar 27July: The High End workshop on “Adoption of Bio-pesticides for Crop Protection and Environment: Emerging Technologies to Benefit Farmers” attended by students of different universities concluded today on 27-07-2023 at SKUAST-K Shalimar. The training was organized by Division of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-K and sponsored by SERB-Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of India under Karayashala scheme. The valedictory session marked the culmination of an intensive and enlightening workshop aimed at equipping participants with knowledge & technologies about bio-pesticides and their role in modern agriculture. The valedictory session of the programme commenced with the welcome address by Prof. Shabir Ahmad Wani, Dean Faculty of Horticulture. Dr. Sabiya Bashir, Associate Professor, Division Plant Pathology, presented the report on events and activities conducted during the   training.  Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, expressed gratitude to all the participants and trainers for their active involvement in making the bio-pesticide training program a resounding success. He highlighted the growing concerns surrounding conventional chemical pesticide & significance of incorporating bio-pesticides as an essential component of integrated disease management strategies to minimize the environmental impact while ensuring higher crop yields and overall productivity. He also commended the efforts put by event organiser Dr. Sabiya Bashir, and her team in conducting the training and brining students from different background across the country to SKUAST-Kashmir and exposing them with the ecosystem developed in the university, which encourages students to turn into job providers instead of job seekers.  The guest of Honour on the occasion, Mr. Saurabh Bhagat, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to Science & Technology department J&K, lauded the efforts of the university and advised students to apply creative solutions to the agricultural problems. A book on biopesticides entitled, ‘Biopesticide Revolution: Enhancing Crop Protection and Yield through Emerging Technologies, authored by Dr. Sabiya Bashir and Dr. M. Najeeb Mughal was released on this occasion. The valedictory session was concluded on vote of thanks presented by Prof. Shaheen K. Jan professor & Head, Division of Plant Pathology, SKUAST-K.