Srinagar: The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) organised a DCPC farmer training programme at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K). Officials stressed safe and regulated pesticide use to protect food safety and ensure sustainable farming.
DCPC Secretary Nivedita Shukla Verma addressed the one-day programme held in Srinagar on January 12, 2026. She said judicious pesticide use was essential to reduce health risks. She also highlighted the importance of Integrated Pest Management practices.
The programme was themed “Safe and Judicious Use of Pesticides and Promotion of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Practices.” It was jointly coordinated by HIL (India) Limited and SKUAST-K. Moreover, Verma appreciated the coordination between the two institutions.
She said farmer training played a key role in reducing pesticide misuse. Therefore, awareness generation and IPM adoption must be expanded across regions.
Verma attended the event as the chief guest. Meanwhile, Dr. Maninder Kaur Dwivedi, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, was the guest of honour. Senior officials from DCPC, the agriculture ministry, UNIDO, HIL (India) Limited, SKUAST-K, and the Kashmir agriculture department were also present.
DCPC farmer training sees wide participation, IPM compendium released
The DCPC farmer training programme witnessed participation from 524 farmers. They came from Srinagar and nearby districts. As a result, officials described the turnout as encouraging.
A key highlight was the launch of an IPM compendium for regional vegetable crops. The publication aims to guide farmers and extension workers. It provides crop-specific pest management solutions.
In addition, 16 Farmer Producer Organisations from the Srinagar region showcased their products. These included honey, saffron, apricot-based items, and chillies.
During the programme, HIL (India) Limited and SKUAST-K signed a memorandum of understanding. The agreement covers joint implementation of the GEF-UNIDO FARM Project. The project focuses on agrochemical reduction and management in the Kashmir region.
