The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Sangrur, under the Directorate of Extension Education at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, organized a training programme in collaboration with the Centres for International Projects Trust (CIPT). Sixty-five lead farmers from various blocks in district Sangrur participated.
Dr Mandeep Singh, Associate Director (Training), welcomed the participants and discussed the conservation of natural resources and efficient use of agricultural inputs in Kharif crops. He highlighted the challenges faced by district farmers, such as the depletion of water tables, environmental pollution, and rising input costs, urging them to adopt the latest techniques recommended by PAU and stay informed through farm literature.
Dr Sandeep Dixit, Director of CIPT, New Delhi, encouraged farmers to connect with PAU and KVK scientists to understand better and adopt the latest agricultural technologies.
Sh. Tapinder Singh Sohi, OSD to the Finance Minister of Punjab, graced the event as the Special Guest. He reassured the farmers of the government’s unwavering commitment to their welfare and advised them to adhere to recommended production and protection practices for better harvests of Kharif crops.
Sh. Ranjodh Singh from CIPT underscored the pivotal role of lead farmers in embracing and disseminating modern technologies among their peers, empowering them to be the catalysts of change in the agricultural community.
Dr Sunil Kumar, Assistant Professor (FMPE), emphasized water-saving practices and technologies in Kharif crops, encouraging the adoption of short-duration paddy varieties and discontinuing water-intensive summer maize. He also shared the tar-wattar DSR technique for water conservation.
Dr Rukinder Preet Singh Dhaliwal, Assistant Professor (Agronomy), discussed identifying and managing nutrient deficiency symptoms in Kharif crops such as paddy, maize, and cotton.
Dr. Gurbir Kaur, Assistant Professor (Plant Pathology), provided information on integrated disease management in paddy and basmati crops and cautioned against using banned pesticides in basmati crops.
An open discussion and Q&A session followed, incorporating farmers’ suggestions. The event concluded with a visit to the KVK’s technology park and demonstration units. Sh. Kulbir Singh from CIPT thanked all participants, especially the KVK team, for their valuable contributions.
Read more: https://www.pau.edu/index.php?_act=manageEvent&DO=viewEventDetail&dataE=datae&intID=9323
