The AICRP Centre on Biological Control of Crop Pests at Nauni has received the Best Performing Centre Award for 2024–25. This recognition highlights the centre’s exceptional work in eco-friendly pest management. Dr. Subhash Chander Verma leads the centre, which has made significant strides in research and training programs.
The award was presented at the Annual General Meeting of AICRP on Biological Control of Crop Pests, held at Assam Agricultural University in Jorhat. Dr. Poonam Jasrotia, Assistant Director General (Plant Protection & Biosafety) at ICAR, and Dr. SN Sushil, Director of ICAR–NBAIR in Bengaluru, were present to award the honour. The event also saw the participation of over 70 scientists from around the nation, showcasing the importance of collaborative efforts in agricultural research.
Dr. Verma shared that the AICRP Centre has been operational since 1985 within the Department of Entomology at UHF Nauni. The centre has focused on biological pest and disease management, making remarkable progress in this field. It is well-equipped with modern infrastructure, allowing for advanced research and development.
The centre is involved in identifying natural enemies of pests. This includes studying various insects like coccinellids, syrphids, and parasitoids. The team maintains five species of egg parasitoids, along with predatory mites and microbial agents. These biological control agents help reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides, promoting a healthier environment.
In addition to research, the AICRP Centre has actively promoted eco-friendly pest management practices, especially in tribal regions of Himachal Pradesh. The team conducted four training programs during 2024–25 in the Bharmour and Spiti regions. These programs aimed to educate local farmers on biological control strategies, enhancing their agricultural practices.
The centre has also contributed to academic research, publishing several papers in respected peer-reviewed journals last year. This commitment to sharing knowledge underscores the centre’s role in advancing sustainable agriculture.
Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice Chancellor of UHF Nauni, praised the team for their dedication. He congratulated Dr. Verma and his colleagues for their efforts. Prof. Chandel noted that this recognition reflects the team’s consistent commitment to sustainable agriculture. He emphasized the importance of scientific excellence and community engagement in creating effective pest management solutions.
Dr. Sanjeev Chauhan, the Director of Research, along with other university officials, also congratulated the Biological Control team on this significant achievement. Their work is vital in promoting awareness of sustainable practices among farmers. The recognition of the AICRP Centre is not just an accolade but a stepping stone towards a future of environmentally responsible agriculture.
This award also encourages further research and development at the centre. As the world faces challenges like climate change and pest resistance, the work being done at Nauni becomes increasingly relevant. The AICRP Centre’s efforts are paving the way for future innovations in pest management, making agriculture more sustainable and productive.
In conclusion, Nauni’s AICRP Centre on Biological Control of Crop Pests stands as a beacon of excellence in eco-friendly agriculture. Its recognition as the Best Performing Centre for 2024–25 is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its team. As they continue to promote sustainable practices, they inspire a new generation of farmers to adopt eco-friendly methods in their agricultural pursuits.