Afghan delegation attends training at PAU

Ludhiana, April 18, 2018: To enhance the knowledge on the use of pesticides, a 10-member delegation comprising officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Kabul, Government of Afghanistan, attended a 10-day international training on “Crop protection chemicals for food security, safety and their residue management” at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). The training programme, which was organized by the Department of Entomology, PAU, under the aegis of the Environmental and Culture Society, Hisar, concluded in the University today.

In his concluding remarks, the Chief Guest, Dr S.S. Kukal, Dean, College of Agriculture, PAU, said “Nearly 80 per cent of Afghan population is engaged in agriculture. India and Afghanistan are agriculture based countries.” Citing the example of the success of integrated pest management (IPM) in Punjab, he advocated the use of pesticides as a part of IPM for better yield and returns. Dr Kukal called upon the trainees to remain in contact with PAU experts for technical guidance.

While interacting, a representative of the Kabul’s Ministry of Agriculture, Mohammad Salim Rahimi said, “Our visit to PAU aimed at learning more about agriculture technologies and transferring these to technical persons in Afghanistan upon return.” Learning about various agricultural issues and exposure visits would go a long way in benefiting the trainees, he added.

Dr P.K. Chhuneja, Head, Department of Entomology, PAU and Course Director, delivered talks on "Necessity of pesticides in integrated pest management at farm level" and "Pesticide industry at global level." Giving details, he informed the university experts dwelt on pesticide residues and their management in food commodities; basic principles and planning of experiments for insecticide residue analysis; pesticides as environmental hazards; regulatory aspects of pesticides; safety measures in handling and use of pesticides; pesticide formulation analysis; importance of spray technology in pesticide application, etc. He further said trainees were also educated about the role of botanical pesticides in insect-pest management; managing crop residues for nutrient cycling, improving crop productivity and reducing air pollution; integrated pest management of stored grains; development of bio-pesticides and their role in pest management; and risk and benefits involved in pesticide usage.

Dr B.K. Kang, Senior Insect Toxicologist, and Dr R.K. Gupta, Senior Soil Scientist, were the Technical Coordinators of the course, whereas Dr T.S. Riar, Professor of Extension Education, was the Course Coordinator. The delegation visited Central IPM Centre, Jalandhar; Krishi Vigyan Kendras at Noormahal (Jalandhar) and Nagkalan (Amritsar); and University Seed Farm, Ladhowal for practical training.