EXPERTS DWELL UPON STRAW MANAGEMENT AND CROP DIVERSIFICATION AT PAU KISAN CLUB MEET

Agricultural experts explained crop residue management technologies, successful cultivation of wheat and oilseeds, kitchen gardening model and landscaping during the monthly training camp of PAU Kisan Club at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today. More than 150 farmers attended the camp which was held under the aegis of Directorate of Extension Education.

EXPERTS DWELL UPON STRAW MANAGEMENT AND CROP DIVERSIFICATION AT PAU KISAN CLUB MEET

Ludhiana, October 5, 2023: Agricultural experts explained crop residue management technologies, successful cultivation of wheat and oilseeds, kitchen gardening model and landscaping during the monthly training camp of PAU Kisan Club at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today. More than 150 farmers attended the camp which was held under the aegis of Directorate of Extension Education.

Advising the farmers to abstain from crop residue burning, Dr Manpreet Singh, an expert of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, advocated the adoption of in-situ and ex-situ straw management technologies. He suggested using PAU Super SMS, PAU Happy Seeder, Smart Seeder, Surface Seeder and Paddy Straw Bale Shredder-cum-Mulcher for in-situ rice residue mulching; Super Seeder and Paddy Straw Chopper-cum-Spreader for in-situ rice residue incorporation; and Baler and Rake for rice residue collection.

Dr Manpreet Khiva, Agronomist, while dwelling upon wheat cultivation, stressed upon using PAU recommended varieties for wheat sowing. He advised cultivating PBW Zinc 2, PBW RS 1, PBW 826, PBW 869, PBW 824, PBW 803, Sunehri (PBW 766), PBW 1 Chapati, Unnat PBW 343, DBW 222, DBW 187, HD 3226, Unnat PBW 550, PBW 1 Zn, PBW 725, and PBW 677 in irrigated conditions. Besides, farmers in Punjab's submontane region can sow yellow rust resistant varieties comprising Unnat PBW 550, PBW 725, PBW 677, PBW Zinc 2 and PBW RS 1; and refrain from using yellow rust prone cultivars including WH 1105, HD 3086, HD 2967, DBW 222, and PBW 803, he added.

Dr Ruma Devi, Vegetable Science expert, urged the farmers to adopt kitchen gardening concept to boost diversification, cut expenditure and raise income. “In the present times, when the veggie prices are going up, rural and urban dwellers who have been growing vegetables in their kitchen gardens, are reaping benefits in terms of production, consumption as well as sustainable income,” she added.

Dr Gurpreet Kaur, Oilseeds expert, urged the farmers to grow oilseeds for diversification. The University has evolved several varieties of oilseeds, the most popular being GSC 7 of gobhi sarson which is being adopted on a large scale in Punjab, she added.

Floriculture expert Dr Ranjit Singh provided tips for landscaping at homes, public places, parks, educational institutions, etc.

Earlier, Dr Kuldeep Singh, Head, Department of Extension Education, welcomed the farmers, while later Manpreet Singh Grewal, President of the club, proposed a vote of thanks.