PROVIDE SOLUTIONS TO AGRI-PROBLEMS IN VIEW OF CLIMATE CHANGE: PAU VC TO SCIENTISTS

Ludhiana, November 24, 2016: Various research programmes and transfer of technology activities were discussed during the meeting of Research and Extension Council, held at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, presided over the meeting, in which University extension specialists, scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Farm Advisory Service Centres, and progressive farmers of Punjab participated.

Dr Dhillon called for forging partnerships with the farm universities of adjoining states for the sustainability of agriculture. “Emphasis should be laid on providing solutions to the emerging problems by keeping in view the climate change and rising temperature,” he said.

Dr R.K. Gumber, Director of Research, PAU, explained in detail about the new varieties of wheat, fruits and vegetables. He said stress was being laid on the use of drip irrigation technique in orchards. In addition, the focus of research was on the development of new varieties of celery and sugarcane, he added. Dr Gumber also apprised the scientists of the use of farm machinery and fertilizers in various crops.

Dr R.S. Sidhu, Director of Extension Education, PAU, while giving presentation on the extension activities of the last six months, said the University has strengthened its linkages with the farmers through print/electronic/social media, farm publications, KVKs and FASCs. A total of 51 WhatsApp groups were formed for the farmers, he told, saying that more than 38,000 farmers received information about the cultivation of different crops and other agri-practices through 1441 doots. Dr Sidhu said that whitefly has been managed successfully in Punjab with the cooperation of farmers, scientists, extension specialists and State Department of Agriculture. He also told that young farmers were acquiring trainings in crop production and protection, subsidiary occupations, and were also ready to start their own ventures. As many as 96 villages have been adopted for the distribution of soil health cards, he added. Dr Sidhu also informed that PAU was coming up with Kisan Portal and online crop calendar for the benefit of the farmers.

During the meet, progressive farmers also shared their views and gave feedback for devising the research and extension programmes.