By TC News Desk
Agartala, 20th February 2026 In order to strengthen farmers’ technical competencies and promote sustainable, chemical-free food production systems, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sepahijala, CAU (I), Latiacherra, Tripura organized a Farmer Field School (FFS) on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) today at Baidyardighi GP, Bishalgarh Block, Sepahijala, Tripura, in collaboration with ICAR–NRIIPM, New Delhi. The programme was implemented under the project entitled ‘Crop-Based Model IPM Villages’ for Promotion of Integrated Pest Management Technologies in NEH region of India’ funded by ICAR–NRIIPM, New Delhi.
The programme was conducted using a participatory and experiential learning approach, enabling farmers to acquire practical exposures on pest ecology, crop–pest interactions, and the application of eco-friendly pest management strategies. Emphasis was placed on biological control agents, cultural practices, mechanical methods, and the judicious use of need-based plant protection measures to minimize reliance on synthetic pesticides.
Crop-Based model IPM village was inaugurated by SushantaDeb, MLA in presence of Atusi Das, Chairperson, Bishalgarh Panchayat Samiti; Prof A. B. Patel, Dean, College of Fisheries, CAU(I), Lembucherra; Tapan Das, Chairman, Education Standing Committee, Bishalgarh; Dr. Utpal Dey, SMS (Plant Protection), Dr. Joy Kumar Dey, SMS (Agronomy), KVK Sepahijala, Ar. Puja Debnath, Agri. Sector Officer, Golaghati, and other officials.
In conventional crop production systems, farmers often rely heavily on chemical pesticides to mitigate pest-induced losses and to maximize crop productivity. However, the unscientific and indiscriminate use of pesticides—characterized by excessive dosage, inappropriate selection of molecules, improper application techniques, and non-adherence to recommended safety and pre-harvest interval guidelines—has resulted in adverse ecological and environmental consequences. Such practices contribute to pesticide residues in food commodities, development of pest resistance, resurgence of secondary pests, decline of beneficial organisms, contamination of soil and water resources, and potential long-term risks to human and animal health.
To address these concerns, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sepahijala has implemented a series of awareness and capacity-building interventions through diversified extension approaches. These included training programmes, farmer field schools, on-field demonstrations, group discussions, and dissemination of scientific advisories aimed at promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and rational pesticide use for sustainable agricultural production.
MLA Deb emphasized the importance of adopting IPM practices across diverse cropping systems to promote sustainable and chemical-free food production. He has also encouraged farmers to reduce indiscriminate use of pesticide and to adopt eco-friendly, science-based pest management strategies that ensure food safety, environmental protection, and long-term agricultural sustainability.
All the dignitaries practically visited IPM cucumber field, vermicompost unit and poster campaign programme. Officials emphasized the crucial role of adopting non-chemical methods at the farm level.Farmers conveyed their satisfaction with the adoption of their village as an IPM model village.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of Dr Anupam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor, CAU, Imphal and under the technical guidance of Dr. Raman Thangavelu, Director, ICAR- NRIIPM, New Delhi; Dr. Ph. Ranjit Sharma, Director, Directorate of Extension Education, CAU, Imphal; Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone VII, Umiam, Meghalaya; Prof A. B. Patel, Dean, College of Fisheries, CAU(I), Lembucherra, Tripura; Prof. Shravan M. Haldhar, Principal Scientist, ICAR- NRIIPM, New Delhi and Dr. Shatabhisa Sarkar, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK, Sepahijala, Tripura.
