Kupwara: An awareness-cum-training program on the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) was organized on Tuesday at the Chief Agriculture Office, Kupwara, to educate progressive farmers of the district about the benefits and functionality of the NPSS app.
The event was a collaborative effort by the Agriculture Department Kashmir and the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage (DPPQ&S), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
The program was presided over by S. Yadvinder Singh, Chief Agriculture Officer, Kupwara, who underlined the importance of adopting digital tools like NPSS in modern agriculture. He encouraged farmers to actively use the app for early pest detection and effective decision-making.
Dr. Haroon Rashid Hakla, Assistant Plant Protection Officer (PP), Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC), Srinagar, was the keynote speaker. He provided an in-depth demonstration of the NPSS app, a pioneering tool designed for real-time pest surveillance and monitoring.
Dr. Hakla elaborated on the app’s ability to collect and analyze pest data, enabling farmers and agricultural officials to implement timely pest control measures. He also emphasized the app’s future potential in enhancing pest management strategies and reducing crop losses, contributing significantly to sustainable agriculture.
Mukhtar Ahmad, District Law Enforcement Officer, North Kashmir, highlighted the regulatory aspects of pest control and the need for compliance to ensure safe and productive farming practices. Sheikh Mansoor, Subject Matter Specialist (SDL), further guided the attendees on the scientific approaches to pest management in alignment with local agricultural conditions.
The event witnessed active participation from progressive farmers across Kupwara, who engaged in discussions and shared their experiences with pest management. The training program concluded with a practical demonstration of the NPSS app, ensuring the attendees were well-equipped to utilize the system effectively.
