PAU Addresses Farm Issues Of Kisan Committee

Ludhiana, July 20, 2015: Various farm issues were addressed by the experts of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) during the joint meeting of PAU Kisan Committee, and PAU Fruit and Vegetable Producers’ Committee. The meeting was held today under the Chairmanship of Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU. The Directorate of Extension Education, PAU organized the meet, wherein subject-matter specialists of the University, Deputy Directors/Associate Directors from Krishi Vigyan Kendras and farmers from different parts of Punjab participated.

In his address, Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU said the importance of interacting with the farmers is growing day-by-day. “Scientists can learn a lot by visiting the farmers’ fields,” he observed. Voicing concern over depleting water resources, stubble burning, climate change and rising expenditure on the purchase of farm inputs, Dr Dhillon emphasized on creating awakening among the farmers regarding contemporary agricultural issues.

Dr Mangal Singh Sandhu, Director of Agriculture, Punjab congratulated PAU VC Dr Dhillon for getting second term. He said that this meet is vital to gather feedback from the farmers, address their queries, provide them new farm technologies, and apprise them of various agri-schemes being offered by the Central and State Governments. He told the farmers to avail the benefit of soil health card for the proper use of recommended fertilizers. Referring to organic farming, Dr Sandhu said, “It is being practised by the dedicated farmers.” He said, “Since it is difficult for a single farmer to go for organic cultivation, farmers should practice it by forming clusters or groups.” He also called upon the scientists to conduct research on water quality and develop technologies for groundwater recharging.

Earlier, Dr R.S. Sidhu, Director of Extension Education, welcomed the dignitaries, scientists and the farmers. He stressed on combating issues of underground water depletion and paddy straw burning in Punjab. He said, “PAU has always been concerned about farmers and farm issues of the state.”

Farmers from across the Punjab sought information on weed management in paddy, direct seeded rice technique, cultivation of sarson, preparation of canola oil from gobhi sarson, cultivation and marketing of pulses, new varieties and successful cultivation of fruits and vegetables, insect-pests and disease management in various fruit and vegetable crops, ways to reduce farm expenses, disease management in poly-house cultivation of vegetables, processing and marketing of mushrooms, training in processing of vegetables, and protection of crops from birds.