Udhagamandalam: A programme to enhance awareness among students about the catastrophic consequences of excessive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers by farmers was organised under the aegis of the Public Awareness Association of Udhagamandalam on Tuesday. The Secretary of the Association G. Janardhanan who presided underscored the role of inspects in maintaining the ecological balance. Lamenting that owing to the indiscriminate use of pesticides and depletion of green cover, many types of insects including those belonging to rare species were becoming extinct, he noted with a great deal of concern that the rate at which the Nilgiri bees were disappearing was alarming. Pointing out that insects and birds helped multiplication of plant species, he said that the chemicals used in agricultural lands adjoining the forests were destroying them. The Secretary, Nilgiri Environment and Cultural Service Trust (NEST) V. Sivadass said that insects formed a vital part of the ecology. The Headmaster, CSI Hobart School, D. Victor listed the benefits of using vermicompost and urged the farming community to switch over to organic agriculture. The formation of a model organic farming plot within the premises of the school marked the occasion. Teacher C.Vimala proposed a vote of thanks.