Hoshiarpur district identified for groundnut crop

Ludhiana, August 29, 2016: For further promotion of groundnut cultivation, the Punjab Agricultural University’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Hoshiarpur in collaboration with the Farm Advisory Service Centre (FASC), Hoshiarpur and Department of Agriculture, Bhunga organized a field day on ‘Groundnut Cultivation’ in the village Mastiwal, block Bhunga. The programme was held under the guidance of Directorate of Extension Education, PAU, Ludhiana. Dr Gurmeet Singh Buttar, Additional Director of Extension Education, PAU, was the chief guest on the occasion. Dr Surinder Kaur Sandhu, Senior Scientist-cum-Incharge, Oilseeds Section and Dr Virender Sardana, Senior Agronomist, Oilseeds Section, PAU also graced the occasion.

It may be mentioned that PAU has been advocating the development of niches for various crops in the state. In this context, for groundnut crop, Hoshiarpur district has been identified which stands first in whole of Punjab with an approximate area of 1400 hectare. The main area is in block Bhunga, with the villages Mastiwal, Shekhan, Pandori Atwal, Ram Tatwali, Raghwal and Taintpal as a niche for groundnut cultivation.

In his address, Dr Buttar discussed the natural resource management practices, integrated nutrition management, judicious use of agro-chemicals and agricultural inputs, processing of agricultural products and testing of soil samples for judicious use of fertilizers. He also appealed to the farmers to avail services of KVK for receiving vocational trainings and upgrading their skills in other enterprises.

Dr Sandhu highlighted the importance of oilseed crops. He also exhorted the farmers to use PAU recommended canola varieties.

Dr Sardana shed light on recommended groundnut cultivation practices with focus on fertilizer management and use of agrochemicals for weed control.

Mr Sarwinder Singh, Agricultural Officer, Bhunga highlighted the problems being faced by the farmers in groundnut cultivation and various schemes of the Department of Agriculture for the benefit of the farmers.

Mr Gurpartap Singh, District Extension Specialist, FASS gave important tips for wheat cultivation.

Dr Maninder Singh Bons, Assistant Professor (Plant Protection), KVK, Hoshiarpur informed about pest management in groundnut and role of KVK for the benefit of farming community of the area.

S. Jasbir Singh, President, Farm Produce Promotion Society (FAPRO), Kang Mai also participated in the function and laid thrust on agro-processing and marketing of the processed products.

The President, Mr Davinder Singh proposed the vote of thanks.

Various technical lectures were delivered for the benefit of the farmers. The scientists of KVK namely Er Ajaib Singh, Dr Mandeep Sharma, Dr Gurpreet Singh Khalsa, Mr Harmandeep Singh and an expert from the Department of Agriculture, Ms Gurpreet Kaur also guided the farmers on various aspects of agriculture. In this niche area, a self help group of 150 groundnut farmers has been formed and recently, the farmers have formed Maharaja Ranjit Singh Agri Produce Company Ltd. to further the cause of groundnut cultivation. The KVK also organized an exhibition on latest agricultural techniques, developed by PAU and for the sale of seeds of fodder maize, and toria; mineral mixture, vegetable kits and literature.