To combat environmental degradation and promote sustainable agriculture practices, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Bahowal, Hoshiarpur, organized a district-level awareness camp on paddy residue management. This event was held as part of the ongoing “Praali Parbandhan Chetna Yatra” campaign by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, to raise awareness among farmers about responsible paddy straw management techniques. The camp, which took place on October 5, 2023, witnessed the participation of numerous farmers and farm women.
She graced the event. Harminder Singh Sandhu, Chairman of the Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation, as the chief guest, and Smt. Komal Mittal, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Hoshiarpur, who presided over the programme.
Sh. Harminder Singh Sandhu stressed the urgency of managing paddy residue, emphasizing the harmful effects of burning it. He urged farmers to incorporate paddy residue into the soil, a practice that enhances soil health and is environmentally friendly. Sh. Sandhu commended the proactive efforts of local farmers in leading the campaign for responsible paddy residue management.
Smt. Komal Mittal, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Hoshiarpur, highlighted the importance of efficient natural resource utilization and crop residue management for sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation. She advocated for using paddy straw in energy production and the paper industry. Smt. Mittal also underscored the significance of utilizing available paddy straw management machinery and called for the active cooperation of all stakeholders in curbing paddy straw burning.
Dr Maninder Singh Bons, Associate Director (Training) at KVK Hoshiarpur, discussed the various initiatives undertaken by KVK for the welfare of the farming community. He encouraged farmers and farm women to participate in KVK’s training programs to explore subsidiary occupations and engage in value-added farm produce to increase their income.
The event featured technical lectures on a range of agricultural topics. Dr. Sumanjit Kaur discussed horticultural crop cultivation practices, while Dr Navjot Singh Brar shared improved techniques for vegetable crop cultivation. Dr Parminder Singh and Dr Ajaib Singh provided insights into dairy animal management and paddy residue management technologies, respectively. Dr Prabhjot Kaur discussed integrated pest management in rabi crops, and Dr Sukhwinder Singh Aulakh shared valuable tips on mushroom cultivation.
Dr. Haroon Rattan, Deputy Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry, and Sh. Kiranjit Singh, Agriculture Development Officer of Hoshiarpur, presented various departmental schemes to benefit the farming community.
To incentivize farmers to adopt residue management technologies, KVK Hoshiarpur honoured villages that successfully implemented in-situ paddy residue management during 2022-2023, along with progressive farmers who made commendable contributions to paddy residue management in the district.
The event also featured an impressive exhibition showcasing technological interventions in agriculture, paddy residue management technologies, and machinery. Various Self-Help Groups and entrepreneurs displayed their products for sale. To support farmers, a wide range of agricultural products and technical literature were made available, including seeds of rabi crops, bio-fertilizers, mineral mixtures, and more.
Dr Maninder Singh Bons thanked the distinguished guests, experts, and attendees for contributing to the programmer’s success.
Read more: https://www.pau.edu/index.php?_act=manageEvent&DO=viewEventDetail&dataE=datae&intID=8129
