Global Plant Protection News

Former Director Planning & Head Plant Pathology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Dr M P Srivastava has been honored with “IPS Recognition Award 2014” in recognition of his contribution to the growth of Indian Phytopathological Society (IPS), and more importantly services rendered towards society in mitigating crop losses due to plant pests. The award was given by former Director General Indian Council of Agricultural research, Dr V.L. Chopra by presenting him a shawl, Memento and Certificate of Excellence during 6th International Conference organized by Indian Phytopathological Society at its 68th Annual Convention at the NAAS Complex, New Delhi 23-27 Feb 2016. Dr Srivastava is a legend in the area of Transfer of Technology and Plant Health Clinics. During the conference, Dr Srivastava presented a paper “Overdependence on pesticides could be hazardous to man and environment.” While elaborating the advantages of pesticides in pest management, he cautioned that over-enthusiasm in pesticide application could lead to hazards; hence their misuse and abuse needs to be avoided, and instead of keeping pesticides at bay, make them as integral component of IPM modules. In epiphytotics they may provide respite. Dr Srivastava also chaired the Session on “Plant Health Clinic” with Dr Khan from NDU, USA as Co-chair and Eris Tzamos from Athens, Greece as lead speaker among others.

Dr Srivastava in the centre receiving award from Dr VL Chopra (holding the trophy), former Director General ICAR

Dr. Srivastava is credited with delivering two Keynote Address, 1) in 8th International Congress of Plant Pathology (8th IPPC2003) at Christchurch in 2003; and 2) in 10th ICPP2013 in Beijing, besides organizing an Evening Session on Plant Health Clinic (PHC) during 9th ICPP2008 in Turin, Italy. Another global giant the International Plant Protection Congress honored him to chair a Session on 1) Transfer of Technology, 2) to act as Convener of Plant Health Clinic in Urban Horticulture and 3) delivering a lecture on Plant Health Clinic. He has also been invited by several other organizations to deliver keynote addresses in Hyderabad, India in October 2014 and Las Vegas in June 2015 besides Kerala Planning Board inviting him in Feb 2013 to present a lead paper on feasibility of establishing Plant Health clinic in 12th Plan at district level in Kerala state. In recognition of his contribution, Dr Srivastava has been honored with several awards, which include Best Extension Scientist National Award 1996, Man of the Year 1998 Award from US, International Technological Achievement Award, Dr Radhakrishnan Gold Medal Award, National Pride Award- “Life-Time Achievement Award”, Dr APJ Gold Medal Award and Fellowship of National Academy of Sciences in 1988, amongst others. Dr Srivastava even after his retirement in 2002 offers online diagnosis and advisory to growers on management of plant diseases through his web portal http://www.xsgrowth.com .free of cost, as a passion to help the growers.