Handwara,Jun,23: In a significant step towards promoting sustainable horticulture and strengthening scientific pest management practices among orchardists, an awareness programme on the management of Apple Leaf Blotch Miner (ALBM) was organised at Sheikh-ul-Alam Environment Hall, Handwara, in north Kashmir's Kupwara district.

The programme was organised by the Division of Entomology, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-Kashmir, in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Kupwara, under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) projects “Minimizing Pesticides” and “Organic Farming.”

Around 150 apple growers from different horticultural zones of Kupwara district participated in the programme, reflecting the increasing concern among farmers regarding emerging pest threats and the need for scientific interventions.

The event was attended by Professor-cum-Chief Scientist and Programme Coordinator Dr. Sajad Mohiuddin Mir, District Horticulture Officer Kupwara Iftikhar Ahmad, Prof. Tariq H. Askarey, Dr. Mudasir Gani, Dr. Faisal Ahmad Bhat from KVK Kupwara, Dr. Khursheed Habib, Horticulture Development Officers, field functionaries and other officials.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sajad Mohiuddin Mir delivered a detailed presentation on Apple Leaf Blotch Miner, highlighting its identification, biology, seasonal occurrence, nature of damage and economic significance. He emphasised the importance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, including orchard sanitation, conservation of natural enemies, regular monitoring, pheromone-based technologies and the need-based use of registered insecticides.He stressed that timely intervention is crucial to minimise crop losses and protect the livelihoods of apple growers.

Dr. Mudasir Gani demonstrated various technologies for early detection and effective management of the pest. Practical demonstrations on the installation and use of pheromone traps were conducted, providing farmers with hands-on experience in pest monitoring and control.

Speaking on the occasion, DHO Kupwara Iftikhar Ahmad, Dr Khursheed Habib and HDO Suhail Ahmad highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts between scientists, extension workers and farmers for effective pest management and improved orchard productivity.

As part of the awareness initiative, technical pamphlets, extension literature and pheromone traps were distributed among the participating farmers to encourage scientific monitoring and sustainable pest management practices.

The participating growers appreciated the initiative and called for more such awareness and capacity-building programmes in the future.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Horticulture Development Officer Suhail Ahmad, who expressed gratitude to all scientists, officials, apple growers and stakeholders for their active participation and support.

The event underscored SKUAST-Kashmir's commitment to promoting sustainable horticulture and strengthening the linkage between scientific research and farming communities across Kashmir.