A 21-day online certificate course on “Organic Farming and Certification,” organized by the School of Organic Farming of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) for the scientists of the Farm Advisory Service Centre, successfully concluded here. The training was held in collaboration with the Directorate of Extension Education, PAU, in which approximately 55 participants took part. Hands-on training was provided in organic and natural farming practices, ensuring a fully immersive experience for the participants.
At the concluding session, Dr MS Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, emphasized the importance of engaging farmers directly in promoting organic methods, advocating a farmer-centric approach to ensure the widespread adoption of organic farming techniques. He also assured the farmers that these kinds of online trainings would be organized in the future as well.
Dr SS Walia, Director, School of Organic Farming, welcomed the participants and highlighted the growing importance of organic farming in achieving sustainable agricultural practices.
Dr Vajinder Pal Kalra, Agronomist, advised the participants to go in for organic certification of their farms in order to build customer’s faith in their organic produce.
Dr Neeraj Rani, Soil Chemist, provided tips regarding sustainable crop production techniques, using organic manures.
Dr Manisha Thakur, Olericulturist, shared her experience regarding pesticide residue free safe vegetable production techniques.
Participants were introduced to the organic certification process with thrust on regulations, record-keeping, and compliance standards needed to achieve certification for both national and international markets. Additionally, the course covered value addition techniques, teaching farmers how to process, package, and brand organic products, and linking them to market opportunities and government schemes aimed at supporting organic producers. Participants also shared their experiences in detail.
Dr Walia proposed a vote of thanks. Later, the programme concluded with the distribution of certificates.
Read more: https://www.pau.edu/index.php?_act=manageEvent&DO=viewEventDetail&dataE=&intID=9758
