PAU's FASC, Ferozepur sensitizes farmers on sustainable practices in agriculture and entrepreneurship

Ludhiana, April 1, 2024: The Farmer Advisory Service Centre, Ferozepur under the umbrella of the Directorate of Extension Education and Department of Entomology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, organised various programmes to mobilise farmers towards sustainable agricultural practices and entrepreneurship avenues.

A series of programmes including farmer awareness camps, crop surveys, training, diagnostic visits, field days, farmers-scientist interactions, etc., were organised during March 2024, covering a variety of themes like integrated pest management, pesticide residues, spray technology, integrated nutrient management, natural resource management, beekeeping, value addition, entrepreneurship, etc. An exposure visit of 34 progressive farmers and vegetable growers was also organised to the Department of Entomology, Department of Vegetable Science, Skill Development Centre, Food Business and Incubation Centre, and PAMETI at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana.

During the visit, Dr Tarsem Singh Dhillon, Head, Department of Vegetable Science; Dr Kulbir Singh, Principal Olericulturist; Dr Salesh Kumar Jindal, Principal Vegetable Breeder; Dr Harpal Singh Bhullar, Entomologist; Dr Dilpreet Talwar, Extension Scientist (Vegetable Science); Dr Sandeep Singh, Principal Entomologist (Fruits); Dr Ramandeep Singh, Director, School of Business Studies; Dr Rupinder Kaur, Associate Director (Skill Development); Dr Prerna Kapila, Assistant Professor, Home Science; Dr Parminder Singh Shera, Principal Entomologist; Dr Sudhendu Sharma, Senior Entomologist; Dr Arashdeep Singh, Extension Specialist (Food Technology); and Ms Harmeet Kaur, Deputy Director, PAMETI, PAU shared information on various novel research and extension programmes/facilities, available in their respective departments. They laid a special focus on improved varieties, non-chemical pest management technology, value addition, branding and promising marketing strategies, and skill based training facilities for young farmers.

Dr Jagjot Singh Gill, District Extension Specialist (Agronomy), FASC Ferozepur; Dr Anand Gautam, Assistant Professor (Agri. Engg); and Dr Divya, Assistant Professor (Home Science), KVK Ferozepur; shared their expertise on novel farming practices, integrated nutrient management, surface seeding technology, crop residue management, and value addition of fruits and vegetables.

Jagsir Singh, District Training Officer; Rajneesh Jindal, Agriculture Development Officer (Ferozepur); and Amit Punj, Agriculture Development Officer (Zira), Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, also shared valuable information with the farmers on upcoming programmes of their department; soil sampling and testing; and integrated pest and disease management.

Sharing the above details, Dr GS Makkar, Senior Extension Scientist (Entomology), FASC Ferozepur, said that farmers from different villages like Bajidpur, Mana Singh Wala, Mallwal, Basti Dhabeawali, Lohgarh, Talwandi Bhai, Shahdin Wala, Changali, Toot, Tumbar Bhan, Bholuwala, Ruknewala, Maujgarh, Karmiti, Pandori Jattan, Jhanda, etc. actively participated in different FASC programmes. “We plan to gear-up our efforts at harmonious rural development through ecologically sound agri-practices, skill development, value addition and entrepreneurship. Feedback from farmers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the valuable insights gained through sessions with PAU experts,” Dr Makkar added.