Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Hoshiarpur organises kisan goshthi on soybean cultivation

Ludhiana, August 16, 2023: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Hoshiarpur under the aegis of Directorate of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana and ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone-I, Ludhiana organized a kisan goshthi on soybean cultivation at its campus to promote improved crop cultivation and plant protection practices for soybean and for further promotion of soybean cultivation in the district.

On this occasion, Dr. Maninder Singh Bons, Associate Director (Training), KVK Hoshiarpur said that this kisan goshthi was being organized regarding cultivation of improved variety of soybean, SL 958. He discussed about the importance of soybean crop and mentioned that soybean is a high value crop with multiple food, feed and industrial uses. Edible oil, soymilk and its products, bakery products, antibiotics and fresh green beans are some of its major uses. Dr. Bons said that due to the concerted efforts of PAU, Ludhiana & KVK Hoshiarpur a niche of around 500 acres has been established mostly in the sub-mountainous belt of Hoshiarpur since last 7-8 years as an alternative crop having very less water and pesticide requirement and minimal wild animal damage.

Dr. Ajaib Singh, Assistant Professor (Agril. Engg.), KVK Hoshiarpur gave an insight into the purpose of the frontline demonstrations on soybean and the efforts being undertaken by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana for further promotion of its cultivation in the niche areas. He informed that that these soybean demonstrations are being conducted in collaboration with Pulses Section, Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, PAU, Ludhiana. He also discussed about the scope of processing in soybean.

Dr. Prabhjot Kaur, Assistant Professor (Plant Protection), Krishi Vigyan Kendra shared important tips regarding the integrated pest management of major pests of soybean- hairy caterpillar, tobacco caterpillar, pod borer and whitefly.

The participating farmers also visited the seed production plots of soybean where KVK expert, Dr. Gurpratap Singh, Associate Professor (Agronomy) guided the farmers regarding field identification of insect pests, diseases & weeds and their management practices. He informed that KVK Hoshiarpur is also producing soybean seed at its farm for further promotion of this variety and crop.