In a move to impart training1 to cotton growers, a four-day extensive training on cotton production and protection technology with emphasis on management of mealy bug with the help of non-chemical methods has been arranged. The farmers will further guide their community members about the technology recommended by PAU to add to productivity and reduce the cost of cotton production.

In all, six training programmes will be organised, under which 250 scouts will be trained at PAU, KVK Bathinda, Faridkot, Regional Research Station Abohar.

In his inaugural address, Dr N S Malhi, Director of Extension Education, said that the PAU lays emphasis on educating farmers in the IPM techniques for various crops.

Dr Malhi also mentioned that emphasis will be on practical aspects of pest management. He

released a training manual meant for scouts prepared by the PAU scientists.

According to Dr N S Butter, head of Department of Entomology at PAU, the strategy has given excellent control over pest problems in cotton, the bollworm complex especially the American bollworm.

The whitefly, which appeared in serious form due to excessive use of synthetic pyrethroids, also considerably declined with the use of recommended IPM technology. However, new pests like tobacco caterpillar and mealy bug appeared as key pests of cotton, Dr Butter said.

Mealy bug appeared as serious pest of cotton and damaged cotton crop in new areas due to the lack of awareness.

He added that the scouts will work in 225 villages in collaboration with the staff of state Department for Agriculture in a project funded by Sir Tata Ratan Trust.

He mentioned that extensive training programmes are required for dissemination of technology which will help farmers to manage the pest at the right time.