Training programme conducted on Integrated Pest Management in rice with special reference to techniques of pesticide application 

A three-day training programme was conducted on “Integrated Pest Management in rice with special reference to techniques of pesticide application” sponsored by ATMA, Jajpur (Odisha) from 16th to 18th October, 2019 for 30 progressive farmers. The training was organized by Crop Protection Division, ICAR- NRRI, Cuttack under the supervision of Course Director Dr. P C. Rath, Head Crop Protection Division and was coordinated by Dr. Basana Gowda G and Dr. Mathew S Baite. This training programme enriched farmers’ knowledge on bio-ecology of rice pests, non-chemical options of pest management and use of appropriate pesticides as a last resort at right time and dose employing proper application techniques. The valedictory session was addressed by Director, ICAR-NRRI, Dr. Himanshu Pathak who highlighted proper diagnosis of rice pests, precautions to be take while purchasing pesticides and increasing rice productivity. He also requested farmers to disseminate the techniques learnt in the training programme to other farmer friends in their location.