- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Thu, 10 Apr 2025 01:22 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Vijay Sinha held a review meeting on Wednesday at Krishi Bhawan, Patna, focusing on plant protection schemes. During the session, he directed officials to take proactive steps to safeguard horticulture from pest-related damage and enhance crop productivity.
He stressed the importance of disseminating timely, forecast-based alerts about potential pest and disease outbreaks. To ensure farmers receive this vital information, he recommended using newspapers, radio jingles, and digital platforms effectively and consistently.
Vijay Sinha also instructed that hoardings and banners be installed in all government offices across Panchayat, Block, and District levels to spread awareness about plant protection schemes. These materials should provide farmers with clear information about pesticide usage, safety protocols, and related government support.
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The Deputy CM highlighted that pesticide sellers are often the first point of contact for farmers facing pest-related issues. Therefore, he ordered mandatory training for all sellers on the scientific use of pesticides, potential side effects, and pest identification. Additionally, shops should display banners about government-approved pesticide chemicals.
To ensure the availability of genuine pesticides, district-level inspectors have been instructed to regularly inspect outlets, collect suspicious samples, and send them for lab testing. Farmers should also be trained on the health and environmental risks of pesticide use.
Sinha issued strict instructions to curb the sale of banned pesticides across the state. District officials must conduct regular raids and take action under the Pesticide Act to prevent their distribution, ensuring the safety of both farmers and the ecosystem.