Growers advised to avoid inadequate use of pesticides

The use of chemical pesticides is gradually reducing in Sindh and the growers are getting more yield by adopting Integrated Pest Management methods of cropping.
These views were expressed by agriculture scientists and growers while speaking at a day long seminar on "Integrated Plant and Soil Nutrients Management (IPNS) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)".
The seminar was organised by Sindh Agriculture Extension Department here Saturday.
Director General Sindh Agriculture Extension Naeem Ahmed Korejo was the chief guest while Ghulam Nabi Morai, a grower presided over the event.
Naeem Ahmed Korejo, speaking on the occasion, advised the growers to avoid frequent use of pesticides and adopt IPM methods for reducing cost and increasing good quality farm production.
He said extension services would be improved in this regard and demonstration plots would be set up to project IPM technology from this year alongwith imparting training to the field staff and growers under the IPM project facilities.
The agriculture scientists, presenting their papers, described the chemical pesticides harmful to human as well as livestock health.
They advised growers to use bio-pesticides and adopt pest scout and forecast system on their field before using any chemical or bio-Pesticides.
Bio-pesticides prepared from seed of Neem tree gave best results for controlling insect pests of various crops. These pesticides are cheap and economical, they informed.
Besides, scientists suggested use of Farm Yard Manure and Green Manure to maintain soil fertility and avoid excess and frequent dose of chemical fertiliser along with insect resistant verities. Timely adoption of crop pattern and good agro-economical practices could be helpful for controlling the insects for the healthy crops.
Ghulam Nabi Morai in his presidential remarks, appreciated the efforts of agriculture extension department for organising seminar on the topic. He said IPM is the need of the hour for the growers and it should be projected at village level to educate growers.
Dr Beena Siddiqui from Karachi University, Dr Ghulam Hussain Abro from Sindh Agriculture University, Dr Abdul Sattar Burro and Muhammad Hussain Khushk from Agriculture Research Institute Tando Jam and Allah Warayo Rind Deputy Provincial Co-ordinator IMP Sindh shared their experiences during the seminar.
Senior Vice President Sindh Abadgar Board Abdul Latif Nizamani and District Naib Nazim Tando Muhammad Khan Pir Ashfaque Jan Sarhandi, among others, also attended the seminar.