PHD CHAMBER, PEDA, PAU AND KVK ORGANISED SEMINAR TO HALT PADDY STRAW BURNING

Samrala (Ludhiana): PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Ludhiana in association with Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) under its Mass Awareness Campaign ``To Halt Paddy Straw Burning`` organized a Seminar to raise awareness and disseminate information among farmers on Paddy residue management at KVK, Samrala on Wednesday.
Special focus of the event was to educate farmers on Straw management technologies with practical demonstration of the Straw management machines namely, Super SMS, Cutter-cum-spreader and Happy Seeder. At the site, one acre wheat was sown with Happy Seeder machine to establish crop plantation without paddy straw burning.
On the occasion, Dr. S C Sharma, Associate Director, KVK Samrala welcomed all farmers and delegates present on the occasion and highlighted the activities of KVKs and requested farmers to adopt the recommended varieties of wheat and improved agricultural technologies.
Dr. Ashok Kumar, Director Extension Education, PAU, Ludhiana was the Chief Guest on the occasion. He apprised farmers of the disadvantages of stubble burning and urged farmers to use balers, happy seeders, zero tillage machines, Super SMS and related technologies to control stubble burning and safeguard our environment. He appealed farmers to manage crop residue to better soil health.
Dr. Baldev Singh, Chief Agriculture officer, Dept. of Agriculture, Ludhiana said we are doing our best to educate the farmers and have appealed them not to resort to stubble burning. Also informed farmers of the various subsidies provided by the Government.
Dr. Rajbir Singh, Director, ATARI Zone, Ludhiana appreciated the efforts of PHD Chamber for organizing such seminars on Straw management. Dr.GS Buttar, Additional Director, Extn. Education, PAU Ludhiana apprised farmers of the menace of stubble burning. He urged farmers to share the problems being faced by them and offered solutions for their straw management.
Esteemed speakers, Dr. Dharminder Singh, PAU, Ludhiana and Dr. Mahesh Narang, Engineer-Dept. of Farm Machinery, PAU Ludhiana shared their rich expertise on the subject.
The programme ended with Vote of thanks by Ms. Rimneet Kaur, Deputy Resident Director, PHD Chamber. Nearly 100 participants including Farmers, Technology Providers & Agri / Farm Equipment Manufacturers attended the programme.