Strengthen outreach to farmers through ICT Tools: PAU VC to Scientists

Ludhiana, August 2, 2023: During the monthly review meeting of the Research and Extension Council today, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), inquired about the challenges being faced in the present scenario and progress made after adoption of PAU's recommendations. He discussed in detail the incidence of pink bollworm and whitefly in cotton, status of Direct Seeded Rice in the state, adoption of short duration rice varieties, incidence of fall armyworm in maize, promotion of water saving technologies and dragon fruit, and problems of dairy farmers.

In the wake of economic devastation due to massive loss to various crops in Punjab, Dr Gosal called upon the scientists to strengthen their outreach to the farmers through ICT tools. Go to fields personally, get feedback and address farmers’ issues personally or through local newspapers, PAU WhatApp groups, PAU Facebook, PAU YouTube channel or PAU website, daily or at weekly interval, he stressed. “In these hard times, PAU stands with the flood-hit farmers who have suffered enormous crop loss. In case of any help or advice, farmers must contact PAU scientists or experts located at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) or Farm Advisory Service Centres (FASCs) for timely guidance,” he said.

Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research, informed that no incidence of stunting virus in rice, resulting in dwarf plants, has been reported in the state.

Dr GS Buttar, Director of Extension Education, PAU welcomed the dignitaries and the research and extension scientists from PAU, Regional Research Stations, KVKs and FASCs.