Empowering the Farmers on knowledge of BPH-Resistant Rice Varieties and Drone Technology
An awareness prorogramme on Popularization of BPH resistant varieties and Demonstration programme of Drone application in rice at Goudagop village in Mahanga block in Cuttack district, Odisha on November 12, 2024. Dr. S.D. Mohapatra, Head, Crop protection Division of the institute, emphasized the importance of low-input pest management practices using NRRI light traps, pheromone traps, and straw bundle charged with spiders, bund planting of flowering plants to attarct natural enemise, ricexpert app for accurate identification of pests and diseases. Dr. M. Chakraborti, Senior Scientist briefed about the Brown Planthopper (BPH)-resistant varieties such as CR Dhan 317, CR Dhan 805, and CR Dhan 809. He also informed their nutritional benefits and resilience, highlighting how these varieties provide protection against pest and disease. Dr. G.P. Pandi G, Scientist discussed the effective cultural methods for managing BPH in rice, including methods such as alternate wetting and drying, alley planting and other IPM strategies to manage BPH sustainably. DR Basana Gowda, Scientist emphasized on the use of bioagents in supression of rice pests. An on-farm demonstration of pesticide application through Drone in rice was conducted by Dr. Gowda. Dr. Rupak Jena, Scientist addressed the challenges posed by nematodes in rice cultivation and presented viable solutions for their control. The programme concluded with closing remarks from Dr. S.D. Mohapatra Chairman, emphasizing the vital role of adopting pest-resistant rice varieties and advanced technologies for sustainable, high-yield farming and a significant step forward in benefiting farmers with advanced pest management tools and insights, promoting the adoption of sustainable pest management practices. Mr Ekamra Kanan Padhan, Mr Suryaprasad Lenka, Mr Rudra Madhab Panda assisted the drone demonstration and smooth conduct of the event. The programme was attended by more than 100 farmers, and others. The training sessions opened with remarks by Dr. G.P. Pandi G, Scientist and Principal Investigator, setting an enthusiastic tone for the day’s events.
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