ICAR-CRRI Hosts Training-cum-Exposure Visit for Farmers on BPH-Resistant Rice and Smart Pest Management
On July 25, 2025: The ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute (ICAR-CRRI), Cuttack, organized an insightful training-cum-exposure visit on “Integrated Pest and Disease Management in Rice” for the farmers under the RKVY Odisha-funded project, “Popularization of BPH-Resistant Rice Variety for the Upliftment of Odisha Farmers’ Income.” The programme was inaugurated by Dr. G. A. K. Kumar, Director, ICAR-CRRI, who emphasized the pivotal role of Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) in boosting farmers’ income through the cultivation of BPH-resistant rice varieties such as CR Dhan 317 and CR Dhan 805, developed by the institute. Dr. Shyamaranjan Das Mohapatra, Head, Crop Protection Division and Coordinator of the programme, outlined the training objectives and highlighted the benefits of adopting BPH-resistant varieties along with eco-friendly pest management tools like the Solar 24×7 Insect Trap, Trichocard, and pheromone traps. Dr. Raghu S., Scientist (Plant Pathology) and Co-Coordinator, proposed vote of thanks, and Dr. Rupak Jena, Scientist (Nematology), coordinated the inaugural function.
A total of 30 farmers from Raghunathpur and nearby villages attended the day-long training, which focused on advanced pest and disease management in rice, with special emphasis on Brown Planthopper (BPH) control. Farmers received hands-on training in producing Trichogramma spp. for eco-friendly pest control, witnessed drone applications in pest management, and visited the institute’s pheromone unit and Insectarium. The programme highlighted ICAR-CRRI’s continued efforts to empower Odisha’s farmers with modern, sustainable farming practices to boost productivity and income.
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