Adopt crop diversification for better yield and income: PAU VC to farmers

Ludhiana, May 31, 2023: Underscoring the need to double farmers’ income, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), stressed upon moving away from traditional wheat-paddy cycle and practicing crop diversification. Speaking at the meeting of PAU Kisan Committee as well as Fruit and Vegetable Producers’ Committee, Dr Gosal said that research programmes were being reprioritized in wake of emerging challenges of water and climate crisis, deteriorating soil health and dwindling farm income. Stressing upon adopting marketing strategies for profitability, he informed about the newly developed fruit and vegetable varieties, the cultivation of which could result in remunerative returns to the farmers.

Dwelling upon the research priorities, Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research, delved upon the newly evolved crop varieties, production-protection and processing technologies. Queries concerning quality seed availability; water management; direct seeded rice; cultivation of cotton, pulses (sathi moong and soybean), oilseeds (sarson), sugarcane, herbal and medicinal plants; cultivation of dragon fruit; organic farming; rodent management in various crops; insect-pest and disease management in fruits (Kinnow) and vegetables (chilli, brinjal, okra, peas, potato, onion, etc.); protected cultivation; processing technologies and marketing were addressed by the experts.

Dr GS Buttar, Director of Extension Education, in his welcome address, presented the action taken report of the previous meeting and the steps taken by various departments in this regard.

Dr TS Riar, Additional Director Communication, apprised the farmers of the farm publications and said that all-out efforts were being made to provide up-to-date information to the stakeholders at their doorstep.

Dr GPS Sodhi, Additional Director of Extension Education, proposed a vote of thanks. Present on the occasion were officials from the State Department of Horticulture, Deputy/Associate Directors of Krishi Vigyan Kendras, district extension specialists, heads of departments and faculty of PAU, and progressive farmers of Punjab