The National Plant Protection Centre (NPPC) successfully conducted an awareness program on safe pesticide use and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Kanglung Gewog, Trashigang Dzongkhag on November 29, 2024. Funded by the Bhutan for Life project, the program was attended by over 150 farmers, Local Government officials, Assistant Dzongkhag Agriculture Officer, Regional Focal Officer for National Potato Program based at Agriculture Research and Development Centre and 6 Gewog Extension Officers.

The program focused on educating farmers about the importance of safe pesticide handling and the potential health risks associated with misuse. The program emphasized the benefits of IPM practices, including crop rotation, biological control, and resistant varieties, for managing pests like late blight, early blight, potato tuber moth, fall armyworm. The importance of using electric fencing to protect crops from wildlife damage was also highlighted.

By promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly pest management practices, NPPC aims to empower farmers to make informed decisions and protect both human health and the environment.