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Training programmes – For the IPM
farmers selected under NISPM project two on campus and two off campus
training programmes on Bt cotton production were organized by KVK
Ahmednagar and the total package of practices on Bt cotton were
delivered by the KVK scientists. These selected IPM farmers also shared
their experiences as well as got clarified all their queries during
these training programmes. Literatures of Bt cotton production
technology were also distributed during these training programmes
Field demonstraions
A.Stem application technology –
After the sowing of Bt cotton was completed, the field demonstration of
stem application was organized in the villages selected under NISPM
project. In this demonstration farmers were demonstrated the stem
application technology of systemic insecticide in Bt cotton in which
imidacloprid 17.8% was used in1:20 dilution with water and applied on
stem of Bt cotton after 30,45 and 60 days of crop growth stage. It
proved highly effective not only in managing the sucking pests but also
in minimizing the use of chemical pesticide.The farmers were highly
convinced regarding this technology.
B.Installation of sticky traps and pheromone
traps – The field demonstrations were also conducted on
installation of yellow as well as blue sticky traps for management of
white flies and thrips whereas pheromone traps for monitoring the
infestation of boll worms in Bt cotton. The concept of sticky traps has
been strongly adopted by the Bt cotton growers and majority of them
approached the KVK for supply of these traps.
Field visits and diagnostic visits –
The periodic field visits, group discussions and shivar pheri were
undertaken for proper dissemination of IPM technology among the Bt
cotton growers. The scientists of KVK regularly visited the Bt cotton
fields under OPMAS project and discussed with the farmers about the crop
management
Field Days - The field days were
organized in the selected villages under OPMAS in order to show the
difference between IPM and Non IPM plots and also to note the
performance of various inputs used under IPM. Almost 100 farmers
participated in field days. The scientists of KVK and representatives
from department of agriculture were present for the field days.
Mass media - Articles on IPM
technology in Bt cotton and success stories of IPM cotton were published
in KVK magazine for proper dissemination of the technology in Bt cotton.
Radio talks of KVK scientists and the progressive cotton IPM farmers
were broadcasted through All India Radio Ahmednagar as well as CRS of
KVK Ahmednagar |