Agriculture Department Conducts Coaching on Pest Management for Officers

Tarun Karthick

Sri Vijaya Puram, 03 March 2025

In response to the rising risk of pest infestations, notably Rugose Spiraling Whitefly and Mealy Bug in coconut, arecanut, and different fruit crops, the Agriculture Department has taken proactive steps to reinforce the experience of its officers. Under the management of Secretary (Agriculture) Ms. Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, an initiative has been launched to equip officers with superior information in pest identification and administration to make sure efficient field-level implementation of management measures.

As a part of this initiative, a digital coaching session on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods for Rugose Spiraling Whitefly and Mealy Bug was just lately organized. Experts from Kerala Agricultural University and ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI) performed the session for Agriculture Officers, extension functionaries, and Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) workers.

Dr. Manichellapan, Dean on the College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, and Mr. Mohit, Subject Matter Specialist from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sippighat, led the coaching by PowerPoint displays.

Dr. Manichellapan offered a complete overview of the identification and administration of Rugose Spiraling Whitefly and Mealy Bug infestations. He highlighted varied species of whiteflies and confused the significance of management measures, together with cultural and organic strategies. He additionally underscored the function of biocontrol brokers, the periodic launch of parasitoids, and using entomopathogenic fungi. Additionally, he beneficial early-stage pest management options corresponding to cleaning soap options, Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE), and tobacco decoction.

Mr. Mohit elaborated on cultural, mechanical, and organic methods to handle Spiraling Whitefly infestations, providing sensible insights into sustainable pest management. Furthermore, Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist & Head of KVK, offered field-oriented methods that may be straight applied by farmers.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A phase, the place extension functionaries from totally different zones addressed their issues and sought knowledgeable recommendation on pest administration. The initiative served as a vital knowledge-sharing platform, empowering agricultural officers with enhanced abilities to fight pest infestations successfully.