Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Moga organised training on improved cultivation techniques in rabi crops

Ludhiana, September 15, 2023: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Budh Singh Wala, Moga organized in-service training on improved cultivation techniques in Rabi crops on Sept 13. The training was attended by 29 officials from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Moga and the Department of Cooperation, Moga.

Dr Manpreet Jaidka, Assistant Professor (Agronomy), KVK, Moga, welcomed the participants and discussed the new recommendations of Punjab Agricultural University for the Rabi crops in the context of crop varieties, production and protection technologies.

The officials were sensitized about the cultivation techniques of wheat, crop residue management, seed rate, water management, nutrient management, pest management, and weed management. The importance of cultivating improved crop varieties and integrated nutrient and weed management practices in intensive agriculture was also emphasized. Reasons for breaking the monoculture, the significance of crop diversification, and the role of pulses and oilseed crops were also discussed. Officials were technically awakened about the organic production technology of crops as recommended by PAU. Details of vermicomposting and the role of bio-fertilizers were also highlighted.

Dr Amandeep Singh Brar, Associate Director (Training.), KVK, Moga, delivered a lecture on technological interventions in crop residue management. He discussed the cost-effective and time-saving surface seeding technique for the cultivation of wheat crops without burning the paddy residue and the pre-requisites to follow for surface seeding technique, harvesting of paddy crop with SMS fitted combine, stopping the irrigation about 15 days before harvesting, making small plots to prevent heavy irrigation to wheat crop etc. Management of rice stem borer, leaf folder and plant hoppers was also shared with the participants.

In an interaction with participants, Dr Gurloveleen Singh Sidhu, Agriculture Development Officer, Moga, also discussed the success story of a farmer who cultivates wheat crops by surface seeding technique without burning the paddy residue and without any loss of grain yield of wheat—other participants like Kulwinder Singh, Block Technology Manager, discussed feedback about rodent management practices in crop residue management. Dr. Manpreet Jaidka concluded the training with a vote of thanks.