Foldscope microscopes help farmers in 20 Chhattisgarh districts detect plant diseases
A DST-supported project run by ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management is training Chhattisgarh farmers to diagnose crop diseases with the low-cost Foldscope, PIB reported on 20 December 2024.
Summary
Farmers in 20 districts of Chhattisgarh are using the Foldscope, a portable and affordable microscope, to detect pests and plant diseases and to assess soil and water, according to a Ministry of Science and Technology release of 20 December 2024. The initiative, covering more than 30 villages, is implemented by the ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management and supported under the SYST programme of the SEED Division of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Using in-situ Foldscope microscopy, the project identified 16 fungal diseases and their causal organisms, including powdery mildew, leaf blight and leaf spot.
Key facts
- Tool
- Foldscope, a portable low-cost microscope
- Coverage
- 20 districts and more than 30 villages of Chhattisgarh
- Implementing agency
- ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management
- Support
- SYST programme, SEED Division, Department of Science and Technology
- Result
- 16 fungal diseases and their causal organisms identified
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Farmers in how many districts of Chhattisgarh are using Foldscope microscopy for crop disease detection, as reported in December 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 20
PIB (Science and Technology): farmers spanning 20 districts of Chhattisgarh are using the Foldscope for pest and disease detection, soil quality assessment and water analysis.
Which institute implements the Foldscope initiative for farmers in Chhattisgarh?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management
PIB (Science and Technology): the initiative is implemented by ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management and supported under DST's SYST programme of the SEED Division.