FASC, Tarn Taran organised Field Day on “Production of Pesticide Free Basmati Rice”

Ludhiana, August 17, 2023: A field day on “Production of pesticide free Basmati Rice” was organised by Farm Advisory Service Centre (FASC), Tarn Taran in association with Department of Plant Pathology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana on 17.08.2023 at village Kot Mohammad Khan. The main aim of the field day was to produce good quality Basmati free from residue so that it can fetches more price in the market. More than 150 farmers participated in the pogramme.

Dr. Parvinder Singh, Incharge, FASC, Tarn Taran welcomed the farmers and resource persons from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. He shared the basmati production scenario of Tarn Taran and highlighted the importance of the field day for basmati growers and the role of FASC, Tarn Taran in production of residue free basmati in the district.

Dr. G.S. Buttar, Director of Extension Education, PAU, Ludhiana, Chief Guest of the function while addressing to farmers highlighted the extension activities being carried out by the university scientists and advised the farmers about cultivation of Basmati rice. He suggested the farmers not to use unrecommended pesticides in Basmati crop. He also appealed the farmers to attend such camps in large numbers so that they are benefited.

Dr. Prabhjot Singh Sandhu, Head, Department of Plant Pathology urged the farmers not to spray the agrochemicals unnecessarily for the cultivation of good quality basmati rice. He stressed the farmers to produce pesticide free basmati by using judicious use of pesticides.

Dr Amarjit Singh, Principal Extension Scientist (Plant Pathology). PAU, Ludhiana spread awareness among the farmers regarding identification of various diseases of Basmati and appropriate control measures to be followed. He recommended the farmers to adopt seed treatment in Basmati rice for the control of foot rot and suggested to follow IPM practices in Basmati.

Dr Paramjit Singh, Principal Entomologist, PAU, Ludhiana delivered lecture on integrated pest management in Basmati rice and laid emphasis to adopt proper application technology of the pesticides. He advised the farmers to use pesticides only at above ETL level.

Dr. Manpreet Singh, Agronomist, PAU, Ludhiana told the farmers to adopt integrated weed management approach for weed control in Basmati. He also stressed the farmers for testing of their soils so that need based fertilizers can be applied.

Dr. Savreet Khehra, District Extension Scientist (Fruits) stressed the farmers to grow fruit plants for their own requirement along with field crops. She told the farmers to use fruit fly trap for the control of fruit fly on different fruits.

At the end, Dr. Parminder Kaur, DES (Senior Most) advised the farmers to spray right pesticide, right dose and at right time only if needed. She requested the farmers to be in touch with the experts of PAU, FASC for guidance in future so that they will be benefitted and extended the vote of thanks to all the participants.