The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals organised a one day farmer training programme at the Sher e Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir Srinagar on 12 January 2026 to promote safe and judicious use of pesticides and wider adoption of Integrated Pest Management practices. The programme was aimed at strengthening agricultural sustainability improving food safety and reducing the misuse of agrochemicals through capacity building at the grassroots level.
Addressing the programme the Secretary Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals emphasised that regulated and responsible pesticide use is essential for protecting human health soil quality and long term farm productivity. She underlined that farmer awareness training and the systematic promotion of IPM practices are critical to minimising chemical dependence while ensuring crop protection and stable yields.
The programme was jointly coordinated by HIL India Limited and Sher e Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir. The collaborative effort was appreciated for bringing together policymakers scientists extension workers and farmers on a common platform focused on sustainable agriculture.
Senior officials from the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare UNIDO HIL India Limited SKUAST K and the Department of Agriculture Kashmir participated in the event highlighting strong inter institutional coordination. The programme also reflected alignment between agricultural policy and field level implementation to address emerging challenges related to pesticide misuse and environmental safety.
The training programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from 524 farmers drawn from Srinagar and adjoining districts. Farmers were sensitised on safe pesticide handling correct dosage timely application and the benefits of integrated pest management including biological control crop rotation and use of resistant varieties. Practical knowledge sharing was aimed at reducing health risks lowering input costs and improving produce quality.
A key highlight of the programme was the release of an Integrated Pest Management compendium for regional vegetable crops designed to support farmers and extension personnel with location specific guidance. In addition sixteen Farmer Producer Organisations from the Srinagar region showcased local produce and value added products including honey saffron apricot based products and chillies demonstrating the economic potential of sustainable farming practices.
On the sidelines of the programme a memorandum of understanding was signed between HIL India Limited and SKUAST K for joint implementation of the GEF UNIDO FARM project Financing Agrochemical Reduction and Management in the Kashmir region. The initiative is expected to support the transition towards reduced chemical pesticide use through improved farm practices financing mechanisms and institutional support.
The training programme marked a significant step towards strengthening farmer knowledge enhancing adoption of integrated pest management and advancing environmentally responsible agriculture in the Kashmir valley.
