Patna: A Field Day on Pest and Disease Management in Direct-Seeded Rice was organised in Gaya on September 18 under the Rice-Fallow Project by the ICAR–Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), Patna, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Manpur, Gaya.
Around 100 local farmers participated in the programme along with the District Agriculture Officer, Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer, Block Agriculture Officer and other officials from the Agriculture Department.
Focus On Direct-Seeded Rice
Gaya District Agriculture Officer Sanjeev Kumar emphasised the need for wider adoption and promotion of direct-seeded rice technology among farmers. During his visit to the demonstration field, he observed the crop condition and appreciated its progress.
Kumar also suggested that farmers from other blocks of Gaya district should be taken to the demonstration field so they can understand the technology and its practical benefits through firsthand experience.
Farmers Trained In Pest And Disease Management
During the field day, farmers were briefed on the major advantages of direct-seeded rice, identification of important pests and diseases, and their integrated management.
Experts stressed the importance of regular crop monitoring, early identification of pests and diseases and timely adoption of appropriate management measures based on prevailing field conditions and recommended practices.
Scientists and subject-matter specialists demonstrated different aspects of direct-seeded rice cultivation, crop management and pest and disease control at the field site. Farmers interacted with the experts and raised questions related to crop management, pests and diseases, which were addressed during the programme.
Aim To Improve Rice Production
The programme was attended by the Head, scientists and subject-matter specialists of KVK Manpur, Gaya, along with ICAR-RCER senior scientists Dr P.K. Sundaram and Dr Rakesh Kumar and technical personnel.
The field day was aimed at promoting direct-seeded rice technology for the effective utilisation of rice-fallow land, reduction in cultivation costs, efficient use of agricultural resources and sustainable and profitable rice production.
The programme was organised under the guidance of Dr Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna, with financial support under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP), said Umesh Kumar Mishra, Member Secretary, Media, ICAR-RCER, Patna.
