RAJSHAHI, Nov 22, 2020 (BSS) – Entomological scientists and researchers concerned viewed substantial and sustainable promotion of biorational pest management in fruit and vegetable farming has become crucial for freeing the fruits and vegetables production from toxic chemical pesticides.
They mentioned that the role of fruits and vegetable farming and its production is very important for both the economy and nutrition.
Successful application of biorational pest management technologies can be a vital means of protecting the importance as the government has a policy of ensuring food and nutritional security.
The experts came up with the observation while addressing a daylong training workshop for the trainers titled “Application of Bio-rational Based Pest Management Technology in Fruit and Vegetable Farming” at the conference hall of Fruit Research Station (FRS) in Rajshahi yesterday.
Entomology Division of Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) hosted the programme in association with ‘Development and Expansion of Bio-rational-based Integrated Pest Management Technologies of Vegetables, Fruits and Betel Leaf’ project.
Over 70 teachers from different high schools and entrepreneurs in the region took part in the training workshop.
Additional Secretary (Research) of the Ministry of Agriculture Komolaranjan Das addressed the training as the chief guest, while BARI Director General Dr Nazirul Islam and Director General of Bangladesh Sugar Crop Research Institute (BSRI) Dr Amzad Hossain spoke as special guests with Dr Debasish Sarker, Director of Pulse Research Institue and Director of the project, in the chair.
BSRI Director (Research) Dr Samajit Kumar Paul, Additional Director of the Department of Agriculture Extension Sirajul Islam and BARI Principal Scientific Officers Dr Alim Uddin and Dr Nirmal Kumar Datta also spoke.
In his remarks, Komolaranjan Das urged the participants to motivate the growers to follow only the guidelines of the field level agricultural officials and scientists instead of any insecticide dealers and sellers during the fruit and vegetable farming from its nursing to harvesting for the sake of a sound public health and environment.
Using chemical pesticides in farming fields is always harmful to soil and public health, crops and environment. So, there is no way but to give utmost importance towards promoting biorational pest management widely.
Dr Debasish Sarker told the meeting that BARI has developed a number of bio-rational-based integrated pest management technologies of fruit and vegetable and has been expanding those to farmers level through various training and motivational programmes.