Sensitization workshop on Fall Armyworm (FAW) organized at ICAR Tripura Centre.

A state level sensitization workshop on Fall Armyworm (FAW) Management in maize was organized by ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Tripura Centre, Lembucherra on 17th June, 2019. A total of 150 participants from Line departments, KVKs, College of Agriculture, ATMA, ICAR, Regional Central Integrated Pest Management centre, Guwahati, NGOs, Farmers’ attended the sensitization workshop with great enthusiasm. The program was conducted under the project on “Promoting improved technology of maize production in NEH Region” sponsored by Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana. 50 farmers from different districts of Tripura participated in the program. The said training programme was organized to create awareness on fall armyworm (FAW) which is an invasive insect presently emerging  in Tripura’s tropical weather which is most favorable condition for multiplication of this devastating pest. The FAW has already been reported from about 30% fields in the state.

Dr. B.K. Kandpal, Joint Director, ICAR, Tripura Centre presided in the Inaugural function.  Dr Ashok Kumar Sukla, Joint Director, Plant Protection, CIPMC, Guwahati and Dr. Dr. Dhrubajyoti Pal,  Asst. Director, Dept. of Agriculture (SARS), Tripura were present as Guest of honour and invited guest in the inaugural function. Dr. Anup Das, Principal Scientist, Agronomy in his welcome address highlighted the need for creating awareness on FAW in a collaborative approach involving various organizations in the state specially KVKs, line Deptts, TSAMETI etc. Dr. B. K. Kandpal in his address emphasized on the strategic management of FAW during its early stage of life cycle like egg or larval stage to minimize losses. For effective management of FAW, cluster and community approach was suggested in place of individual approach. Maize being the important crop for food production as well as fodder production, it is very important that throughout the state farmers should get awareness on this invasive pest for its effective management. The technical session was chaired by Dr Ashok Kumar Shukla, Joint Director, Plant Protection, CIPMC, Guwahati, and co-chaired by Dr. Dhrubajyoti Pal, Asst. Director, Deptt. of Agriculture (SARS). Dr. Sandip Patra, Scientist, Plant Protection, ICAR RC for NEH, Umiam, Meghalaya gave a brief account on how the insect moved from its place of origin from Central and south America to various parts of globe and finally India including north east India. He also interacted with the audience about field diagnosis of FAW. Dr Ashok Kumar Shukla interacted with the participants on integrated management of FAW. Dr. Dhrubajyoti Pal also interacted with the participants and gave an account of integrated management of FAW and other pests of maize.  Mr. Satyapriya Singh, Scientist (Entomology) also discussed about various cultural, mechanical bio control measures for management of FAW. Use of red chili powder mixed with water kept overnight, mud paste and ash can be applied in the infected plants to reduce the FAW problem. Farmers also asked various questions about FAW management and got their queries clarified during the scientist-farmers interactive sessions. It was suggested that all the KVKs need to undertake such programme to create awareness on FAW across the state. ATMs, BTMs, other extension functionaries also need to monitor the FAW infestation closely. The program was ended with the vote of thanks by Dr. G.S. Yadav, Scientist (Aronomy) and organizing secretary of the program