Department of Food Production

Coordinator – Professor Duraisamy Saravanakumar

Programme Description and Objective

The Postgraduate Diploma in Pesticide Technology and Management is mandated to train personnel in the management of pesticides throughout the life cycle starting from the manufacturing of pesticides, transportation, registration, labelling, packing, repacking, distribution, sale, use, monitoring, quality control, disposal and container management. The programme is designed to provide deeper knowledge and training in selection of pesticides and assessment of risks associated with application of pesticides during and after. In addition, the programme includes the training on pesticide risk assessment, mitigation and remediation measures.

It covers the identification, taxonomy, biology, life cycle, and nature of damage of pests and disease of agricultural and public health importance in the region. The programme includes the international and regional level pesticide policies, conventions and regulations that governs the production, use, registration, transportation, distribution and disposal of pesticides. It has been designed to provide knowledge on the potential alternatives to the highly hazardous pesticides in the sustainable cultivation of crops.

The programme mainly targets the Pesticide Regulatory Authorities, Pesticide Retailers and Distributors, Farm Managers, Workers  in  Public  Health,  Employees  of  Agro-chemical  Industries,  Agricultural Consultants, Researchers and NGOs in the field of pesticide management.

The objectives of this programme are to:

1. Produce professionally competent and skilled personnel in the management of pesticides, which can contribute to sustainable food production and environment at regional and international level.
2. Strengthen capacity in the region to regulate pesticide use and to develop pesticide management policies through understanding of regional and international requirements.
3. Cater the academic demand of regional and international working professionals in the field of pesticides and related areas through remote education
4. Enable graduates who aspired to become an entrepreneurs, policy makers and leaders in the pesticide industry

Entry Requirements

In order to be admitted to the Postgraduate Diploma, candidates must:

• Hold a Bachelor’s Degree (Pass) in Agriculture or the Biological Sciences or other related discipline from an approved University. Or,
• Have Associate degree or Diploma in Agriculture or equivalent level of education with relevant experience would be acceptable.
• Special consideration will be given to applicants who has relevant and considerable years (Minimum 5 years) of experience in pesticide regulatory agencies, industries and engaged in Pesticide Operations viz., Pesticide Registrars, Pesticide Health Inspectors, and Pesticide Chemistry Analysts.

Course of Study

Award of the Diploma

To qualify for the award of the Post Graduate Diploma, candidates must pass all courses including internship according to GPA regulations.