JAMMU, 23 April 2025: The Department of Agriculture Jammu, in collaboration with CABI (Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International), kicked off an intensive awareness campaign on Fall Armyworm (FAW) management at Kisan Kendra, Talab Tillo.
The initiative was inaugurated by Director Agriculture Jammu, Arvinder Singh Reen, with key officials and experts from CABI and the agriculture department in attendance.
In his address, Reen underscored the growing threat of FAW to Kharif crops, especially maize, and outlined Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, such as, deep ploughing before sowing; manual egg mass removal; use of pheromone traps; and drone-assisted pesticide application
He emphasized training master trainers, who will further educate extension officers, FPOs, SHGs, and progressive farmers across the region. Supporting materials like field handbooks and fact sheets will be distributed, along with regular farmer training programs.
CABI South Asia Regional Director Dr. Vinod Pandit introduced the CABI FAW Portal, a digital resource for real-time pest management information. Joint Director Agriculture Extension Satish Sharma confirmed the campaign will extend across all districts in Jammu Division during the Kharif season.
Dr. Manju Thakur of CABI presented the campaign's strategic rollout plan, stressing community involvement, site selection, and monitoring. A special session under the Plantwise Plus initiative was also held, including updates on data tracking, plant clinic progress, and field-level pest diagnosis.
The campaign marks a proactive step toward protecting crop yields and safeguarding farmer livelihoods in Jammu.
Image credit: sanbi.org
