The Government of Tamil Nadu, with a focus on improving the sustainability of farmers’ livelihoods, has been encouraging organic cultivation of agri-horticultural crops in the state. As part of these efforts, the Agriculture Commissionerate of Tamil Nadu co-hosted a one-day workshop on 12 July 2023 at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) to train farmers in insect trapping for eco-friendly pest management.
The workshop was launched in the morning at the seminar hall of TNAU and co-hosted by the Directorate of Plant Protection Studies (CPPS), led by TNAU. Experts from TNAU and the DDA-PP office showcased various types of insect trap-lures to the selected trainee farmers. The use of these traps aims to reduce or eliminate the need for chemical pesticides in crop cultivation. Additionally, samples of these traps, manufactured and marketed by the Sun Agro Biotech Research Centre (SABRC), were exhibited, and farmers were provided guidance on their usage.
Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), including officials from the Commissionerate and DDA-PP, were present at the event. The Vice-Chancellor of TNAU, Geethalakshmi, along with senior management, also participated.
The participating farmers expressed satisfaction with the workshop, as it equipped them with the knowledge and confidence to utilize insect attraction traps in conjunction with other eco-friendly technologies such as biopesticides and insect biocontrol agents. Stakeholders received copies of the handbook on insect trapping technology published by SABRC, available in both English and Tamil.
The participating trainee farmers conveyed their appreciation to the MoA, TNAU, and SABRC for their valuable collaboration, which led to the successful completion of the workshop on the same day. They were delighted to receive Tamil literature and free samples of traps provided by TNAU, MoA, and SABRC.
Prof. Sithanantham, the Director of SABRC, and Prabakaran, R&D Executive, expressed their appreciation to all the participants, including the active involvement of many officials from the MoA and TNAU. Shanthi, Director of CPPS at TNAU, extended profound thanks to the main event organizers, Prof. Jeyaraj Nelson and Shanmuga Sundaram from DDA-PP, for their excellent cooperation in successfully completing the workshop. The meeting concluded with the national anthem.
