Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sri Muktsar Sahib, in collaboration with the Directorate of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, organized a comprehensive in-service training programme focused on crop residue management. The event, held at the KVK campus, aimed to equip field staff from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Sri Muktsar Sahib, with essential technical knowledge and strategies for effective crop residue management.
Dr Karamjit Sharma, in charge of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sri Muktsar Sahib, opened the program by highlighting the pivotal role of modern agricultural machinery in contemporary farming practices. He stressed the urgent need to establish custom hiring centers for paddy residue machinery within the district. Dr Sharma encouraged collaborative efforts among stakeholders to ensure the optimal utilization of these resources. He also outlined the various initiatives undertaken by KVK in the realm of straw management, including awareness camps, training courses, exhibitions, and exposure visits. KVK further offers crop residue management machinery to farmers at nominal rates.
Dr Vivek Kumar, Assistant Professor of Agronomy, delivered an informative presentation on the detrimental effects of crop residue burning and introduced attendees to various techniques for crop residue management. He elucidated the importance of in-situ residue management technologies, focusing on the surface seeder and its efficacy in paddy residue management.
In addition, Dr Gurmail Singh, Assistant Professor in Plant Protection, provided an insightful lecture on identifying damage symptoms, the life cycle, and effective management strategies for insect pests in rabi crops. Dr Singh emphasized the need for comprehensive monitoring and management of Pink Stem Borer in wheat crops, particularly in paddy fields. He highlighted improved plant protection practices, underlining the importance of judicious pesticide application and adopting eco-friendly technologies.
Meanwhile, Dr Vivek Sharma, Assistant Professor in Animal Science, shared valuable insights into the optimal utilization of paddy straw in animal husbandry. He recommended treating straw with urea to enhance its suitability for animal feeding. Mrs. Charanjeet Kaur, the demonstrator in Home Science, presented innovative uses of paddy straw in household and decorative products.
As part of the training program, participants could view the crop residue management (CRM) machinery available at KVK, and related literature was distributed to enhance their knowledge in this critical area further.
Read more: https://www.pau.edu/index.php?_act=manageEvent&DO=viewEventDetail&dataE=datae&intID=8069
