PAU experts reiterate focus on diversification at kisan club training camp
In a dedicated effort to diversify the cropping pattern, the experts of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) reiterated the emphasis on alternative crops such as maize, berseem, vegetable and fruit crops, agroforestry, etc. during the monthly training camp of PAU Kisan Club today. A total of 150 farmers attended the camp where annual calendar of PAU was also released. The camp was held under the directions of Dr MS Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, PAU.
City Air News
Jan 4, 2024 10:43
0
Ludhiana, January 4, 2024: In a dedicated effort to diversify the cropping pattern, the experts of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) reiterated the emphasis on alternative crops such as maize, berseem, vegetable and fruit crops, agroforestry, etc. during the monthly training camp of PAU Kisan Club today. A total of 150 farmers attended the camp where annual calendar of PAU was also released. The camp was held under the directions of Dr MS Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, PAU.
Dr Gurteg Singh, Senior Fruit Scientist, while deliberating upon the planning and cultivation of fruit trees, said that horticulture being a promising enterprise required a specific set of skills and dedication for long-standing success. Inviting long-term investment, every farmer needed to be very cautious at the initial phase of the fruit cultivation to avoid big losses in the future, he observed. Explaining the cultivation of grapes, peach, pear and plum, etc., Dr Singh stressed upon the right selection of nursery of fruit plant, digging and filling of pits, and regular check on insect-pests and diseases for successful fruit cultivation.
Dr Navneet Kaur, an expert of Forestry and Natural Resources, said that tree plantation served a dual purpose of crop diversification as well as high income generation. She advised planting the cuttings of poplar during the first fortnight of February and transplanting bare-rooted plants of poplar before the end of February in channels. “Sugarcane can be planted from mid-February in poplar plantations of less than three years age,” she suggested, while urging for sowing the seeds of eucalyptus in February.
Dr Surinder Kaur Sandhu, a maize expert; Dr Devinderpal Singh, a fodder expert; and Dr Madhu Sharma, a vegetable science expert; dwelt upon the seed production of maize, berseem and onion, respectively. Seen production was emerging as one the highly beneficial occupations, they observed, while advocating for its adoption on a large-scale among the farming community.
Entomologist Dr Rubaljot Kaur delved upon the insect-pest and disease management in various rabi crops.
Earlier, Dr Kuldeep Singh, Head, Department of Extension Education, welcomed the farmers, while later, Mr Manpreet Singh Grewal, President of the club, proposed a vote of thanks.
