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Dimapur, Dec. 8 (EMN): Under the Skill Training of Rural Youth (Stry), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kohima, in collaboration with Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (Atari), Umiam in Meghalaya and the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (Manage), Hyderabad in Telangana, organised a six-day training on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) at the KVK office’s conference hall in Tesophenyu from December t to the 7th.
A press release from KVK Kohima stated that the inaugural programme began with an invocation prayer said by its supporting staff Medzonkhe Seb, while the keynote address was delivered by the course in-charge Kerukuolie Michael Pienyu.
Pienyu stated that farmers face substantial losses due to insect pest damage alone and that optimum production and productivity of crops were never achieved due to the lack of awareness on effective pest management practices. He also pointed out that yield losses due to insect pest attack in the country is estimated to be 16.8% annually which amounts to about US$ 30 billion despite various control measures.
However, owing to several health hazards associated with the use of chemical pesticides, he encouraged the farmers to adopt IPM practices which are ecologically safe and economically viable.
Also speaking at the inaugural function, Dr. Ruokuovilie Mezhatsu, senior scientist and head of KVK Kohima, stated that IPM programmes have proven a track record of significantly reducing the risks related to pesticide usage while improving the quality, health and welfare of the environment. He urged the trainees to diligently learn all about IPM during the six-day programme and disseminate the knowledge among themselves for sustainable pest control.
The resource persons of the technical sessions were Zhiete (ACTO Soil Conservation), Imtisenla (ACTO Agronomy), and Kerukuolie Michael Pienyu (ACTO Plant Protection).
As per Stry norms, a total of 15 rural youth from Tesophenyu village and Ziphenyu village were trained. The programme concluded with distribution of bio-pesticides and certificates to all the participants which were handed over by Dr. Ruokuovilie Mezhatsu.