State Level Workshop on “Scientific Management of Fall Armyworm in Maize Production” and Framers Awareness programme on Agro-met Advisories Services
6th June, 2019, KVK Namsai: One day State level workshop on “Scientific Management of Fall Armyworm (FAW) in Maize Production” and Farmers Awareness programme on Agro-met Advisories Services (AAS) under District Agromet Unit (DAMU) Project was organized by ICAR RC for NEH Region, Arunachal Pradesh Centre, Basar in collaboration with KVK, Namsai on 6th June, 2019. The programme saw a total of 118 participants involving State Agriculture and Allied Department officials from Tezu, Tirap, Changlang, Deomali and Namsai and progressive farmers. The programme began with the felicitation of the dignitaries with a memento. The programme was chaired by Prof. V. K. Kawatra, Vice Chancellor, AAU, Namsai, Shri J. K. Jawal, ADF, and Dr. R. D. Jindal, DVO Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, as Guest of Honour, Dr. H. Kalita,Joint Director, AP, Centre Basar, Programme Leader, Dr. G. T. Behere,Principal Scientist and Head, Crop Protection, ICAR, Umiam, Resource Person and Dr. Manish Kanwat, Senior Scientist, KVK Namsai, Programme Convener. Dr. H. Kalita delivered the welcome address and emphasized that farmers as well as state officials to be attentive in the programme and take precaution on incidence of FAW infestation in Maize and other crop in the near future. In the technical session, Dr. G. T. Behere, highlighted that genetic makeup of FAW species found in Arunachal Pradesh is same with that in America and Africa and that the management practices of FAW in America and Africa can be adopted by the farmers here. However, he suggested the best method to manage FAW in Arunachal Pradesh is through organic methods. Prof. V. K. Kawatra, addressed the participants to take preventive measures detailed as detailed in the technical session and added his appreciation for the tremendous hardwork carried out by ICAR, Basar and KVK, Namsai for the programme. In continuation of the programme, Subject Matter Specialist Ms. Bidyapati Ngangom gave a presentation on AAS. She mentioned about the effect of weather on crop cultivation and contingency planning to minimize the loss due to adverse weather. She also discussed about how the AAS will help to the farmers in their day to day crop planning programme. The programme was followed by farmer’s scientist interaction session. Many participants raised their queries on management of FAW through organic approach. To which, Dr. G. T. Behere accepted the queries and replied by showing the affordable and feasible organic methods viz. pheromone trap, whorl application with sand, intercropping with pulses, using of bio-agents, etc. During the field visit at KVK Namsai, farm, Dr. G. T. Behere mentioned to look out for symptoms of FAW infestation like papery windows in leave and leave defoliation through constant monitoring. All participant including State Agriculture and Allied Department officials and progressive farmers unanimously appreciated the programme and suggested that such effective programmes should be conducted again in the near future. The programme was successfully come to an end with vote of thanks by Dr. Debasis Sasmal.
