Govind Gujar: entomologist's journey to understand the Society we live in

            Courtesy: Univ of Central Florida, USA As a member of QRT of the ICAR-National Research Centre for Integrated Pest Management [NCIPM], New Delhi, I had a good opportunity to understand implementation of IPM in various crops at the ground level undertaken in late 2010 and early 2020s. Most of these IPM projects were implemented by the ICAR-NCIPM in collaboration with the local institutions, with a fair amount of local agronomic practices and varying degree of biological as well as chemical inputs. The farmers seemed to be enthusiastic, as they were provided with inputs ex-gratis by the ICAR-NCIPM and local farm institutions. The degree of success ranged depending upon the crop and level of involvement. And this was reflected in the reduced use of synthetic pesticides, and yield advantage or cost-benefit ratios over the conventional crop protection practices involving pesticides. One merit that received less attention was pesticide-free farm ...

 29 January 2025   A few days back, I posted a note on linked-in ( https://www.linkedin.com/posts/govind-gujar-477861b_this-is-a-season-of-lobbying-for-concessions-activity-7289148251465830401-YPaJ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop ) related to the current season of lobbying amongst Indian Industry to seek rebate on taxes as the Government of India will be presenting its annual budget on the 1 st February 2025. Pesticide industry is no exception. It is seeking rebate on custom duty as well as GST amongst others. As reported, the industry too sought the Govt commitment for extension services to be strengthened. Over the years, this industry and other farm institutions have played a major role in bringing knowledge of crop protection to the Indian farmers, educating them on the safe use of pesticides. Unfortunately, lackadaisical attitude amongst farmers towards pesticides has created many problems including endangering of lives of their own and other consumers. ...

  2 nd to 6 th September 2024 Short story with strange explanation: Fed up with sweet tea, coffee or milk for four days at Anand Vihar in Shegaon, I requested the official at HQ of the temple to give an option of non-sugary beverages. He politely agreed to consider the request, while his colleague interjected to explain that sugary beverages are meant to beat the heat [day temp rises to more than 45 oC during summer] in this region. I am floored with this justification, although it was pleasant time during our time. I am raised in Nandura, listening to the stories of Saint Shri Gajanan Maharaj who lived in the nearby town, Shegaon during late 19 th century and took Samadhi in Sep 1910. This saint who miraculously cured his devotees of diseases advocated karma [work], bhakti [spirituality] and gyan [knowledge]. Seen in minimal clothing with cheelam [smoking pipe] smoking, Gajanana is revered by most as reincarnation of God not only in Vidarbha region, but also elsewhere. Devote...

 27  September, 2024                An idea of visiting Europe had taken roots many years ago. We were supposed to go to Europe last year. However, in view of delay in getting our new passports with recent residential address in Mumbai, that visit did not materialize. In January this year, our German friend visited us with his family. He was keen to host us during our stay. It was his long awaited wish to visit Germany. Initially we hesitated for fear of inability to do it, partly because of our age. I recalled as to how old ladies in 1995 were staying at hostel in UK and touring around. We resolved to go ahead, as if it is not now, it will never be. Abhi nahi to kabhi nahi. . So, we started preparing in March for our visit in September. September is pleasant in Europe. The summer is fading out and so is tourist rush as the schools and colleges in Europe start opening.   We also hoped that hotel prices will come down. A rough...