Farmers to get updates on pest control techniques

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, December 5

Khalsa College will now reach out to local farmers with techniques to replace insecticides and kill pests through friendly microorganisms. Under a special programme initiated by the college, a new bio-lab has been set up for controlling harmful farm pests through developing varieties of trichogramma brasiliensis, isotima jevenesis, coccinellidae, syrphid, spider, carabid, dragon fly, predatory pentatomids and abnthrocorid bugs.

These successfully grown microorganisms in the lab will now be used in field programmes through students of agriculture to reach out to more and more farmers.

Dr Mehal Singh, Principal, Khalsa College, said the initial programme would focus on educating, conducting workshops and providing larvae of friendly insects to farmers.

He said, “We have developed eggs or larvae of these friendly strains, which will be packed in plastic bags for transportation and distributed among farmers through various collaborating organisations. Initially, each packet will be available at Rs 20. We will also rope in our team of agriculture students to hold workshops on methods of biological control of pests.”

The college is already collaborating with experts for conducting master classes for local farmers on organic and natural farming techniques.

Rajbir Singh, natural farming expert and joint secretary of Khalsa College organic farms, says, “Knowledge is the key here. Most farmers are not aware of the scientific technique. That’s why the use of insecticides is prevalent. Only 15 per cent insects are harmful and 85 per cent are good for crop. With use of insecticides we are killing friendly insects as well.”

“Pests have been tested in laboratory with successful results. We have had good sugarcane and cauliflower yield. So, the college will hold seminars and take out expert team of agriculture students to spread awareness about the method,” he added.

Rajbir will be organising a seminar in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture to apprise farmers about the new technique to control harmful insects.

He hosted a team of 22 farmers from Lucknow at Dhirakot organic farms today, which had come here to learn natural farming methods.