6 August 2026, Kolkata
ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata, organized an online Training-cum-Orientation Programme on the National Pest Surveillance System for scientists of 59 Krishi Vigyan Kendras under its jurisdiction, with the objective of strengthening technology-enabled pest surveillance and timely advisory services for farmers.
Addressing the participants, Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI Kolkata, emphasized that the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) is a transformative digital initiative that will strengthen India's agricultural resilience through real-time, science-based pest surveillance and evidence-driven decision-making. He appreciated the efforts of ICAR-NRIIPM in developing the platform, noting that its integration of AI and digital technologies will enable timely pest detection, location-specific advisories, and precision crop protection. He further highlighted that effective implementation of NPSS through the KVK network will reduce crop losses and pesticide misuse, strengthen food security, and support sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture.
The programme commenced with a welcome address highlighting the objectives of the training and introducing the resource person and participating KVK scientists. The technical session provided an overview of the National Pest Surveillance System, comprising a mobile application and web portal for real-time pest monitoring and advisory services. Key features, including AI-based pest identification, pest reporting, surveillance-based advisories, district-wise pest mapping, and system administration, were demonstrated. Participants were also informed that login credentials and administrative access would be provided by ICAR-NRIIPM, New Delhi.
An interactive Q&A Session followed, during which KVK scientists shared their observations and suggestions for further strengthening the NPSS platform. The discussions focused on enhancing user experience, improving field-level implementation and maximizing the utility of the system for timely pest surveillance and advisory delivery.
Around 60 participants attended the programme. The training concluded with a formal vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the resource person and all participating KVK scientists for their active engagement and valuable contributions.
The programme reaffirmed ICAR-ATARI Kolkata's commitment to promoting digital innovations and capacity building among KVKs, enabling them to deliver timely, science-based pest management solutions for enhancing farmers' resilience and ensuring sustainable agricultural development.
(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)
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