KISAN MELA AT KVK JALANDHAR PROMOTES SUSTAINABLE PADDY STRAW MANAGEMENT

Ludhiana, October 5, 2023: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jalandhar (Noormahal), in collaboration with the Director of Extension Education and ICAR Attari Zone-1, organized Kisan Mela to educate farmers about properly managing paddy straw. With over 1500 enthusiastic farmers in attendance, the event aimed to raise awareness about the adverse effects of stubble burning and introduce farmers to innovative crop residue management machines developed by PAU for effective stubble handling in the fields.

Chaired by Dr Gurmeet Singh Buttar, Director of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, and Dr Parvinder Shiraun, Director of ICAR-Attari, Zone-1, PAU Ludhiana, as the Chief Guest, the event drew the participation of several distinguished guests, including experts from various Krishi Vigyan Kendras, agriculture officers, and representatives from government departments and private companies.

Dr. Buttar emphasized the importance of refraining from burning paddy stubble and advocated for its incorporation into the soil to enhance soil health and crop productivity. He encouraged farmers and their families to diversify into allied occupations and highlighted the opportunities for training provided by the KVK and PAU.

Dr Parvinder Shiraun introduced the range of machinery available at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, including happy seeders, rotavators, and reversible ploughs, which farmers can use to address stubble management effectively.

Dr Sajeev Kataria, Deputy Director (Training) at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Noormahal, shed light on the services offered by the institution to farmers, discussing various techniques for managing paddy straw and emphasizing the damage caused by straw burning, as well as the valuable elements present in straw.

During the event, experts presented insights on farm machinery developed by PAU for stubble management, including Super Seeder, Happy Seeder, and Surface Seeder, along with in situ and ex-situ techniques. Additionally, representatives from various government departments shared information about their respective agriculture and stubble management schemes.

The event also featured exhibitions from the Horticulture Department Jalandhar, IFFCO Jalandhar, government departments, self-help groups, entrepreneurs, machinery manufacturers, and private companies showcasing their products and solutions in agriculture and stubble management.

In closing, Dr Sajeev Kataria thanked all the guests, experts, and farmers for their invaluable contributions to making the Kisan Mela a resounding success, furthering the cause of sustainable paddy straw management.