Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Fatehgarh Sahib organised a district level awareness camp to curb the practice of paddy residue burning at its campus on 17.10.2023 under the aegis of Directorate of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University and ICAR-ATARI Zone 1, Ludhiana. The programme in conducted at the campus of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Fatehgarh Sahib in which around 225 farmers/farm women participated. Dr. GPS Sodhi, Additional Director of Extension Education, PAU, Ludhiana graced the occasion as Chief Guest. He highlighted the importance of managing paddy residue as burning of paddy is not only degrading soil health but also is becoming one of the major reason for increasing environmental pollution. He emphasized on crop diversification and need to shift from wheat and paddy to oilseed, pulses, fruits & vegetables etc. Dr. Rangeel Singh, Chief Agriculture Officer was the Guest of honor in this programme. Dr. Vipan Kumar Rampal, Associate Director (Training) informed about the ongoing Parali Prabandhan Chetna Yatra from October 04-19, 2023. He highlighted the PAU recommended paddy residue management technologies. He also discussed in detail about management of paddy residue through the use of farm machinery like MB Plough, Rotavator, Mulcher, Super Seeder, Smart Seeder. Mrs. Reet Verma, Assistant Professor (Plant Protection) highlighted the activities of KVK. She detailed the farmers about management of insects / pests in paddy residue managed fields. She also highlighted the importance of village level campaign for management of rats in paddy straw fields. Dr. Arvind Preet Kaur, Assistant Professor (Horticulture) discussed about the use of paddy straw in mushroom cultivation and in fruit nutrition garden. Dr. Manisha Bhatia, Assistant Professor (Home Science) organized an impressive exhibition for the visiting dignitaries and farmers/ farm women showcasing how paddy residue can also be used as a source of art and thus enhance income at household level. During the programme SHG, Progressive farmers, Deptt. of Fishries, IFFCO, Lead Bank & PNB Bank put up exhibition of their activities. Sh. Mukesh Saini, Lead District Manager informed the participants about the various banking schemes related to agriculture and allied activities. Dr. Inderpal Singh, Soil Conservation Officer from Department of Soil & Water Conservation enlightened about subsidized scheme regarding underground pipeline and drip irrigation system. Sh. Daman Jhanji, Agriculture Development Officer informed about applying subsidy for crop residue management machines as well as seed.
Seed of wheat, sarson, berseem, garlic, bio-fertilizers, mineral mixture bye pass fat were made available to the farmers by Dr. Ajay Kumar, Assistant Professor (Soil Science). The programme ended with vote of thanks by Dr. GPS Sethi, Assistant Professor (Animal Science).
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