Farmers Sensitization programme on the eve of International Day of Plant Health
The International Day of Plant Health – 2026 was observed on 12 -05- 2026 at Cheepununtala Village, Talakondapally Mandal, Rangareddy District, Telangana, with the global theme “Plant Biosecurity for Food Security and Nutrition.” The programme focused on creating awareness among farmers on plant health, biodiversity conservation, crop diversification, soil health management and sustainable farming practices for ensuring food and nutritional security.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. V.Ramulu, Director, C-NARE, emphasized the importance of biodiversity conservation and plant biosecurity in sustainable agriculture. He explained that conserving biodiversity helps maintain ecological balance and improves the resilience of farming systems against pests and diseases. He highlighted the significance of quarantine measures in preventing the spread of invasive pests, diseases and weeds into agricultural ecosystems.
Dr. Ramulu also cautioned farmers regarding weed invasion and the indiscriminate use of agrochemicals and fertilizers. He stressed the need for adopting safety precautions while handling pesticides and chemicals and advised farmers to use fertilizers judiciously based on soil test recommendations. Excessive use of fertilizers and chemicals, he stated, adversely affects soil fertility, environmental quality and human health.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr.Md.Latheef Pasha, PS & Head, AICRP on IFS elaborated on the role of crop diversification in enhancing farm sustainability and nutritional security. He explained that shifting from monocropping systems towards pulses, oilseeds, millets and diversified cropping systems helps reduce pest incidence, improves soil fertility and increases farmers’ resilience to climate variability.
Dr. S.Sridevi , PS &PI AICRP on Micro-nutrients delivered a talk on soil health management and stressed that healthy soil is the foundation for healthy crops and sustainable agriculture. She emphasized the importance of soil testing, balanced nutrient management, use of organic manures, biofertilizers and integrated nutrient management practices for maintaining soil productivity and improving crop yields. She also highlighted the need to enhance soil organic carbon and microbial activity for long-term sustainability.
Delivering his address, Dr.K. Chiranjeevi , Scientist in-charge OFR-IFS explained the importance of Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) in improving farm income and sustainability. He stated that integrating crops with livestock, fisheries, poultry and vermicomposting ensures efficient utilization and recycling of farm resources, reduces production costs and provides additional income opportunities to farmers.
The programme highlighted that plant health, soil health and environmental sustainability are closely interconnected and are essential for ensuring food security and nutritional well-being. Scientists urged farmers to adopt eco-friendly agricultural practices, crop diversification and integrated farming systems for sustainable agricultural development.
The programme was attended by Sarpanch Smt. Lakshmamma, Upsarpanch Sri Raju, Ex-Sarpanch Sri Raghupathi, progressive farmers and villagers of Cheepununtala village nearly 40 farmers were actively participated in the awareness programme and interacted with the scientists on sustainable agricultural practices.
