Training course on resource conservation technologies begins at PAU

Ludhiana, October 29, 2014: A three-week training course on “Advances in Resource Conservation Technologies for Higher Soil, Water and Crop Productivity” began at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today. The Department of Soil Science has organised the course under the aegis of Centre of Advanced Faculty Training (CAFT), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). A total of 24 scientists from different ICAR institutes and seven state agricultural universities are participating in the course.
In his inaugural remarks, the Chief Guest Dr Gursharan Singh, Dean Postgraduate Studies, PAU emphasized on conserving precious natural resources including soil and water for sustaining farm production of the country. He expressed concern over the fatigued soils, falling water table and deteriorating water quality in Punjab. Highlighting the importance of soil health, he stated, “If soil is not appropriate, nothing is appropriate.” Dr Singh lauded the research achievements of the Soil Science department and said that the capacity of this department will hype the capacity of the participants.
Dr B.S. Brar, officiating Head, Department of Soil Science, said that the training course aims at disseminating the resource conservation technologies to the scientists in order to sustain soil quality and crop productivity. He also referred to various farm issues being confronted in Punjab agriculture. Highlighting the vital contributions of Punjab towards national food kitty, he told that the Department of Soil Science, PAU was awarded ICAR sponsored Centre of Advanced Studies (CAS) in 1994 on the basis of its accomplishments and distinguished faculty. Since 1995, the department has organized 27 CAS/CAFT trainings and trained more than 470 scientists, he added.
Welcoming the dignitaries and the participants, Dr O.P. Choudhary, Chief Coordinator, CAFT said that the resource persons from PAU will delve on managing soil quality in relation to conservation agriculture, integrated nutrient management and need-based fertilizer management, crop residue management and machinery for conservation agriculture, and advance technologies to increase water use efficiency. Besides, the focus will be on precision farming and micro-irrigation and fertigation techniques; soil and water conservation in water sheds; management strategies for macro and micronutrient deficiencies; water balance in relation to climate change scenario; and managing problem soils and brackish waters, he said.
Dr B.B. Vashisht, Course Coordinator, while proposing the vote of thanks, informed that experts from Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) and CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur will also deliver lectures during the course.
-----------------------------
Readers may send their news/views/feedback to us:
[email protected]