Farmer Awareness Programme · School of Agricultural Sciences
Identification and Effective Management of Major Pests and Diseases of
Kharif Crops - CPU Reaches Farmers at Alaniya
The School of Agricultural Sciences, Career Point University, organized a scientific awareness programme for farmers - from Fall Armyworm management in maize to integrated disease control in Kharif crops.
The School of Agricultural Sciences, Career Point University, Kota, organized a Farmer Awareness Programme at Alaniya village on 22 August 2026, on the theme "Identification and Effective Management of Fall Armyworm in Maize and Major Pests and Diseases of Kharif Crops." The programme was organized in view of the increasing incidence of Fall Armyworm during the ongoing Kharif season and the crop-related challenges being faced by farmers in surrounding villages.
Chief Guest Address
Chief Guest
Mr. Deepak Sharma
Sarpanch, Alaniya Gram Panchayat
Mr. Deepak Sharma emphasized the importance of adopting organic and environment-friendly farming practices, reducing unnecessary chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and conserving soil fertility and natural resources. He highlighted that scientific and sustainable agricultural practices can help farmers reduce production costs, improve crop quality, and enhance farm income - and encouraged farmers to make use of the technical guidance provided by CPU's agricultural experts.
Expert Sessions
Session 1 · Entomology
Dr. Ratnakar Pathak
Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology, CPU
Dr. Pathak provided detailed scientific information on the identification, damage symptoms, and integrated management of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in maize. He explained that larvae scrape the upper surface of leaves during early stages and cause severe damage by entering the leaf whorl in later stages. He recommended pheromone traps, bird perches, neem-based biopesticides, and appropriate seed treatment - stressing early intervention to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides. Farmers were advised to use recommended insecticides only when necessary and strictly follow dose and timing of application.
Session 2 · Plant Pathology
Dr. H. R. Raghuvanshi
Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, CPU
Dr. Raghuvanshi sensitized farmers about the identification and integrated management of major diseases in Kharif crops - including soybean, maize, tomato, chilli, and brinjal. He covered symptoms, identification, and effective management of powdery mildew, downy mildew, wilt, blight, and charcoal rot. Practical information on disease identification and preventive and management measures at the field level was shared with farmers.
University–Farmer Interaction
Address
Dr. Gunjeet Kaur
Associate Dean, School of Agricultural Sciences, CPU
Dr. Gunjeet Kaur encouraged farmers to actively participate in awareness programmes and adopt scientific agricultural technologies. She emphasized the University's commitment to providing practical and scientific solutions to farmers.
"Our commitment is - right identification, right advice, and timely management, so that crops remain protected and farmers can increase their income."
During the programme, agricultural experts interacted directly with farmers to understand their crop-related problems and challenges during the current Kharif season. The experts assured farmers of continued technical support and guidance. The programme was coordinated with significant contribution by Dr. Dhirendra Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Extension Education, and organized under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Mayank Saxena, Vice Chancellor, Career Point University.
"The University's objective is not limited to providing quality education to students - it also includes establishing effective interaction between agricultural experts and farmers and taking scientific agricultural technologies and knowledge to rural communities."
Contribution Towards UN Sustainable Development Goals
The Farmer Awareness Programme supports the following SDGs by promoting sustainable agriculture, reducing crop losses, encouraging responsible use of agricultural inputs, and strengthening University–community collaboration:
🌾 Science to the Field - CPU to the Community
The programme reflected Career Point University's continued commitment to farmer empowerment, sustainable agriculture, scientific pest and disease management, environmental protection, and stronger University–community engagement. By promoting scientific knowledge and sustainable agricultural practices at the grassroots level, CPU takes a meaningful step towards SDG-aligned agricultural and rural development.
