Agri experts dwell on emerging challenges, solutions of current kharif crops

Chandigarh, August 13, 2022: “Cultivation of maize, mustard and moong need to be promoted in a big way across the country and this must be accompanied by adoption of modern technology in the agriculture sector,”

Speaking during an Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR) consultation meet on ‘Emerging challenges in plant protection of major kharif crops’ at  a hotel in Chandigarh on Saturday Dr. AK Singh, deputy director general (Agriculture Extension), ICAR and commissioner Agriculture, Govt of India said that crop diversification must be promoted in a big way.

Instead of focusing on wheat and rice, cultivation of 3Ms – maize, moong & mustard – should be promoted as it can help the country in attaining self-sufficiency and at the same time help in enhancing the income of the farmers, he opined.

The meet was organized in association with agri-input company Dhanuka Group.

Several well-known agriculture scientists from 33 Krishi Vidyalaya Kendras (KVKs), as well as scientists from ICAR, participated in meet, which also witnessed the participation of policymakers, industry players and farmers among others.

RG Agarwal, chairman Dhanuka Group emphasized the need for the adoption of ‘Integrated Crop Management’ practices, usage of modern technology and quality agri-inputs.  

Earlier setting the tone for meet, Dr. Rajbir Singh, director ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI) said, “This is the first time a nation-level consultation meet is being organized in association with a private sector and hope the recommendation from the meet would help farmers overcoming the issue of pest and various crop diseases.”

Alluding to the need for adopting integrated pest management, Dr. Subhash Chander, director, ICAR-NCIPM said, “Farmers would benefit immensely by adopting integrated pest management techniques and it needs to be adopted in a holistic manner.”

Dr. Sujay Rakshit, director, ICAR-IIMR, Ludhiana said that diversification of crops is the need of the hour and cultivation of short duration crops will also help farmers in a big way.

Dr. Gurvinder Singh, Director Agriculture, Punjab; Dr. Ashok Kumar, DE PAU, Ludhiana, Dr. Sain Dass, former director IIMR and Dr. AS Tomar, VP R&D Dhanuka Group among others also shared their views on the critical issues impacting the agriculture sector and farmers as a whole.