SRINAGAR, DECEMBER 23: The Division of Social and Basic Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, Sher-i-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), today inaugurated a one week training program on “Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Crops Using Ecofriendly Approaches” at the Government College for Women (GCW), MA Road, Srinagar. The program is sponsored by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) and aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Prof. Yasmeen Farooq, Principal of GCW, MA Road, was the Chief Guest for the occasion. She described IPM as a systematic and science-driven approach to pest control that integrates prevention, monitoring, and control strategies to minimize environmental harm while reducing dependence on chemical pesticides.
In his keynote address, Prof. Syed Naseem Geelani, Head of the Division of Social and Basic Sciences at SKUAST-K, outlined the significance of adopting ecofriendly pest management methods.
“Ecofriendly approaches aim to work in harmony with nature, ensuring that pest management practices are both effective and environmentally sustainable. Botanical pesticides, such as neem oil and pyrethrum, offer safe alternatives to synthetic chemicals, helping to protect fragile ecosystems,” he said.
Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad, Head of the Department of Zoology at GCW, emphasized that ecofriendly IPM is more than a pest control strategy.