Institute Project

The Division of Vegetable Protection at ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi is strategically aligned with India's national priorities of promoting sustainable agriculture, reducing chemical pesticide dependency, and ensuring food safety under the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" and "Natural Farming" initiatives. The research priorities of the Division are focused on four key areas: i. developing bio-intensive pest and disease management strategies using indigenous biocontrol agents (Trichoderma, Beauveria, entomopathogenic nematodes, and rhizobacteria); ii. screening and identifying resistant germplasm against major pests and pathogens; iii. establishing pesticide residue dissipation patterns and safe waiting periods; and iv. formulating crop-specific Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) modules.

For farmers, these technologies translate into reduced input costs, safer produce with minimal pesticide residues, and sustainable yields through eco-friendly practices. The resistant varieties and rootstocks identified can significantly reduce crop losses while minimizing chemical interventions. Validated biocontrol formulations, biochar-based remediation technologies, and multi-residue analytical methods for quality assurance can benefit agricultural industries. Researchers gain access to characterized pathogen/pest isolates with NCBI accessions, standardized screening protocols, and baseline data on emerging pests like Liriomyza sativae. Collectively, the research in the Division majorly contributes to producing safe vegetables, protecting environmental, pollinator health, educating farmer’s on reducing usage on chemical agri-farm inputs and enhancing India's agricultural export competitiveness through residue-compliant vegetable produce.