PAU holds virtual kisan mela at Faridkot
Developed paddy varieties PR 121 and PR 126 competing well with PUSA 44: Dr Bs Dhillon
cityairnews
Mar 18, 2021 11:03
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Ludhiana: The Virtual Kisan Mela of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) was organised at Regional Research Station, Faridkot today.
In his inaugural address, the chief guest Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, congratulated the farmers for record production during corona times. Maximum area is under PAU developed early maturing paddy variety ‘PR 121’, which has been well-adopted by the farmers of Punjab, he said. In addition, paddy variety ‘PR 126’ has also shown excellent results in fields, he disclosed, while observing that both the varieties were competing well with Pusa 44. Dr Dhillon called upon the farmers to cultivate newly developed wheat variety ‘PBW 1 Chapatti.’ The use of fertilizers (from 240 kg/ha in 2017-18 to 232 kg/ha in 2018-19) and pesticides has seen a decline in Punjab, he revealed. Expressing concern over groundwater depletion, Dr Dhillon urged the farmers to go for diversification and grow pulses and oilseeds. He stressed upon the management of fall armyworm in maize; crop residue management; obtaining skill development trainings; and adoption of organic farming, kitchen gardening, agro-processing, etc.
Dr Navtej Singh Bains, Director of Research, informed about the characteristics of the newly developed varieties Punjab Basmati 7 of rice; CoPb 95, CoPb 96, Co 15023 (early maturing) and CoPb 98 of sugarcane; Sunehri (PBW 766), PBW 771, PBW 757 and PBW 1 Chapatti of wheat; PMH 13, JC 4 and ADV 9293 of maize; and ML 1808 of Kharif moongbean.
Dr Jaskarn Singh Mahal, Director of Extension Education, while welcoming the dignitaries and the farmers, said the virtual mela will showcase exhibitions, live demonstrations and success stories of progressive farmers and self-help groups.
Dr TS Riar, Additional Director Communication, while conducting the programme, urged the farmers to contact their nearby Krishi Vigyan Kendras for the purchase of improved seed of various crops, fruit plants and farm literature.
Dr Pankaj Rathore, Incharge, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, proposed a vote of thanks. Panel discussions on natural resource conservation and Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), and value addition of farm produce to enhance farm income were also held during the mela.
