DEE expresses satisfaction over significant increase in DSR at Monthly Review Meeting
“It is encouraging to see an increase of 44 per cent in the area (2.48 lakh acres) under Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) in 2024 compared to last year (1.72 lakh acres),” remarked Dr Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), while chairing the monthly research and extension review meeting held at the campus today. Dr Bhullar expressed satisfaction that farmers were made aware of the late transplanting of paddy and water-saving technologies through various training programmes.
City Air News
Aug 7, 2024 09:32
0
Ludhiana, August 7, 2024: “It is encouraging to see an increase of 44 per cent in the area (2.48 lakh acres) under Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) in 2024 compared to last year (1.72 lakh acres),” remarked Dr Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), while chairing the monthly research and extension review meeting held at the campus today. Dr Bhullar expressed satisfaction that farmers were made aware of the late transplanting of paddy and water-saving technologies through various training programmes.
He also commended the clean green drive initiatives undertaken by the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Farm Advisory Service Centres (FASCs), emphasizing the need for increased green cover to combat the adverse effects of weather changes. He praised the ongoing efforts of extension scientists in this direction and stressed the importance of conducting regular surveillance and issuing timely agro-advisories for managing fall armyworm in maize and whitefly in summer moong. He expressed satisfaction with the actions taken by KVKs.
The Director of Extension highlighted the need for strategic cultivation practices, advocating for the replacement of spring maize with spring groundnut and the cultivation of Gobhi Sarson under Surface Seeding technology. He also promoted the cultivation of French beans and applauded KVK Sangrur for its successful sale of literature, encouraging others to follow suit. Dr Bhullar expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of KVK and FASC news in newspapers and on the PAU website. He also praised the sale of Nutri-products to dairy farmers, aimed at reducing malnutrition in dairy animals. Additionally, he commended the production and circulation of a video on mat-type nursery seeders and mechanical transplanting on social media platforms by the Additional Director of Communication Centre (ADCC).
Dr Gursahib Singh Manes, Additional Director of Research, addressed strategies for controlling the southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus in rice. He called for intensive soil sampling from surface-seeded wheat fields, the evaluation of weedicide performance through On-Farm Trials (OFTs), and continued efforts towards cultivating Kulth (Horsegram) and Mothbean. Dr Manes also emphasized the importance of herbicide management in maize crops, paddy transplanting without puddling, and the sowing of Tar-water direct-seeded rice without preparatory tillage.
Earlier, Dr. GPS Sodhi, Additional Director of Extension Education, welcomed senior officials, faculty, and scientists from PAU's Regional Research Stations, KVKs, and Farm Advisory Service Centres.
