Winter School concludes at ICAR-NBAIR, Bengaluru

5th February 2025, Bengaluru

ICAR-sponsored Winter School on ‘Morphological and molecular identification including mass production of natural enemies associated with economically important insect pests (including invasives) of Indian agroecosystem’ was organised from 16^th January 2025 to 5^th February 2025 at ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru. The training aimed at providing participants with complete knowledge and skills on conventional taxonomic identification, molecular characterization, mass production and utilisation of beneficial natural enemies associated with insect pests of agricultural ecosystems including invasive pests. The 21-day ICAR-sponsored winter school programme was conducted under the leadership of Dr S. N. Sushil, Director, ICAR-NBAIR. 

The programme was inaugurated by the renowned taxonomist Prof. C. A. Viraktamath, Retd. Professor, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru. He highlighted the basics, schools of taxonomy, nomenclature and importance of taxonomy in agriculture. 

The three week training kick-started with an overview of plant protection in India and role of ICAR-NBAIR in addressing the national pest-related problems followed by the release of training manual.

The Winter School provided a platform for knowledge exchange and skill development in agriculture, with 25 young scientists and experts from 12 states and one Union Territory. The programme included 44 faculty lectures, 6 guest lectures, 22 practical sessions, field visits, and a live drone demo on bio-pesticide application.

Dr V. V. Ramamurthy, President, Entomological Society of India & Retd. Principal Scientist ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, an eminent and reputed entomologist graced the occasion as the Chief Guest for the valedictory function and delivered a special lecture on the importance and implications of taxonomy in insect pest management.

During the valedictory session, Dr S. N. Sushil, Director, ICAR- NBAIR, highlighted the importance of winter school and encouraged participants for future research collaborations.

The programme was coordinated by Dr Ankita Gupta, Course Director & Senior Scientist ICAR-NBAIR, Dr R. Gandhi Gracy (Principal Scientist, ICAR-NBAIR) and Dr Richa Varshney (Scientist, ICAR-NBAIR).

(Source: ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru)