By Gundappa
The ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (ICAR-NBAIR) achieved a milestone in biodiversity conservation with the inauguration of its ‘Butterfly Garden’ at the Yelahanka campus on November 19, 2024. The Butterfly Garden was inaugurated by Dr. T. R. Sharma, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR, New Delhi. Dr. Poonam Jasrotia, Assistant Director General (Plant Protection and Biosafety), ICAR, and Dr. S. N. Sushil, Director, ICAR-NBAIR, were present at the occasion.
The Butterfly Garden is an innovative initiative by ICAR-NBAIR under the leadership of Dr. S. N. Sushil with the team of scientists Drs. Gundappa (Nodal Officer Butterfly Garden), Mahesh Yandigeri, K. Selvaraj, Amala, U. and K. Subarahan to create a natural habitat for butterflies, one of nature's most important pollinators. The garden is designed with a variety of host and nectar plants that provide a supportive environment for the breeding, feeding, and survival of numerous butterfly species.
Dr. T. R. Sharma appreciated ICAR-NBAIR for its proactive efforts in biodiversity conservation and emphasized the pivotal role of pollinators in agriculture. He noted that butterflies are not only indicators of a healthy environment but also vital contributors to pollination, which directly impacts crop productivity and ecosystem health. Dr. Sharma lauded the Butterfly Garden as an educational and research resource that aligns with ICAR’s commitment to integrating science and nature. Dr. Poonam Jasrotia highlighted the importance of protecting pollinators amidst growing environmental challenges. Dr. Jasrotia praised ICAR-NBAIR’s efforts in promoting plant protection and raising awareness about the interconnectedness of various life forms within an ecosystem. Dr. S. N. Sushil, Director, ICAR-NBAIR, shared that the Butterfly Garden would serve as a dynamic platform for research on pollinator biology, behaviour, and ecology. It will also function as an outreach tool to educate students, farmers, and the community on the importance of conserving pollinators and their habitats. This initiative underscores ICAR-NBAIR’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by declining pollinator populations. By establishing this Butterfly Garden, the institute aims to inspire collective action towards preserving biodiversity and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
Apart from butterfly garden Dr. T. R. Sharma, also laid foundation stone for vertical extension of Dr R. J. Rabindra Laboratory at Yelahanka campus to strengthen the infrastructure of the institute. He also inaugurated Bio-agent Production Unit at NBAIR Hebbal campus. This bio-agent production unit will cater supply of bio-agents to farmers. The inauguration ceremony witnessed participation from scientists, researchers, students, and representatives from local environmental organizations.
Dr. Gundappa, is a Senior Scientist at Division of Germplasm Conservation and Utilisation, ICAR- NBAIR, Bengaluru. Also the Associate Editor of Indian Entomologist.
Email: gundu6100@gmail.com
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Great initiative