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The Congress was organized by IAPPS in collaboration with DPG, JKI and IVA. Over 1200 participants from over 95 nations participated including 360 oral presentations. The major theme of the Congress was ‘Mission possible; Food for all through appropriate plant protection’. Key note lectures revolved around food security. Highlights of the congress were individual awards, the introduction of E-posters and student reporters releasing press notes to the media.
The session on ‘technology transfer’ was chaired by Dr M P Srivastava and co-chaired by NA Phiri from Kenya. At the outset the chair stressed that if technology does not reach the growers, the investment made in technology development goes to waste. Six presentations were made. Tim Bir shared his twenty years of experience of IPM in wheat, while Katherine Botta highlighted changing role of soil and plant health. JW Ketelaar from Thailand enlightened the house as to how pesticide usage can be reduced to minimise risk in Asia. Samuel Markel in his presentation tried to create awareness on spread of Heterodera glycines. Hilde highlighted grower’s perception of biocontrol, which is an integral part of IPM, for adoption in extension services. The last speaker, Tjmas from Athens, emphasised the need of starting Plant Doctors program and cited the places where similar programs have been initiated.
In the afternoon session ‘CABI/ Plantwise’, Dr M P Srivastava, legendry in extension pathology from India, gave his concept of ‘transfer of technology (TOT) towards food security’. TOT implies extending knowledge to growers to reduce losses and boost productivity through traditional tools of extension and information technology repeatedly.
According to him food security has become a matter of concern due to unabated rise in population, reduction in arable land and huge losses to the tune of around 40% worldwide. Many have even caused famine and changed the history of mankind. Lack of timely diagnosis is responsible for losses. Therefore, knowledge transfer to growers is vital to boost food security. Traditional tools employed were training – general or theme-based, demonstration, field days, campaigns, advisory and communication with print and electronic media (multimedia, radio, SMS and satellite channel). While electronic devices are effective, print had its own relevance, as these can be referred to in need.
Amongst a variety of print materials, he highlighted the role of innovative periodicals- Plant Disease Warning, Plant Pathology Courier and plant protectionist.
Plant Disease Warning was issued as and when an outbreak of disease was anticipated and messages contained were frequently flashed by All- India Radio (AIR) as a result of tie-up between Haryana Agricultural University and AIR, which helped in averting the epiphytotics. Plant Pathology Courier was issued twice a year and was loaded with latest information of practical relevance and was mailed to all concerned.
The three publications were much in demand beyond Haryana. Several problems were solved during plant health camp. Greater emphasis was laid on IPM and shedding total reliance on pesticides. To sensitise users and dealers, week-long pesticide safety was observed. As a result of continuous motivation, seed treatment in rice, pearl millet, wheat/barley and gram, peas and vegetable crops has become a common cultural practice amongst farmers besides use of resistant varieties. Empowering growers with latest know-how and knowledge helped in reducing losses and minimising expenditure on pesticides.
Evening session on knowledge transfer through school projects, neighbourhood gardening and plant health clinics was aimed at reaching non-professionals to take advantage of plant clinics. Dr Srivastava told the audience if we can have clinic for human and for cattle, why can’t we have organised clinics to provide free diagnostic and advisory support? Appreciating the initiative of Horticulture Mission of Government of India for creation of 120 clinics, over existing ones, Dr Srivastava urged other nations to follow suit. He told the audience that Non-government Organisation (NGO) and Plant Health Clinic (PHC) play a vital role in dissemination of knowledge on growth and protection of plants, which not only provide fruits/ vegetables/ornamentals, glorify environment and decrease pollution. Dr.
Srivastava cited his initiative of forming a NGO, Association for promotion of Peepal and Neem (APPAN) to reduce pollution and by promoting Peepal (Ficus religiosa) and Neem (Azadirachta indica) and plant healthcare by his nonprofit organisation started in 2008 to provide online diagnostic and advisory service free of cost. XSGrowth PHC offered technology for protection while APPAN provided seedling of Neem and Peepal for propagation. Pesticide use was discouraged until necessary; rather bio- and neem-based pesticides and reliance on IPM was encouraged. Solution to most problems was provided online. Urbanites sought solution online or though telephony. Online solution proved effective if the stakeholder is able to project right symptoms and history of the problem. Tango between NGO and XSGrowth was helpful in promoting urban horticulture and their protection. The people conversant with internet sought online advice, while others approached traditional plant clinic.
NGO and plant clinics truly are the beacon for dissemination of knowledge My grateful thanks to BSPP for providing partial travel fund to facilitate my participation in the congress Prof Dr Mahendra P Srivastava
