Urge farmers to stop putting matchstick to paddy straw: PAU VC tells extension scientists
City Air News
Nov 6, 2024 08:10
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Ludhiana, November 6, 2024: Taking cognizance of the farm fires blanketing the entire state with the smog, the Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Dr Satbir Singh Gosal called upon the extension scientists to make never-stopping efforts for the management of paddy straw which has been a never-ending issue for the Punjab. Slowly and slowly, step by step, situation has seen an improvement, he observed, while stressing upon the extension functionaries to keep educating the farmers to stop putting a matchstick to the paddy residue. Reviewing the research and extension work during the meeting here today, the chairperson Dr Gosal raised serious concerns over the apex court’s snub and respiratory issues emerging as a result of smoke emanating from paddy stubble burning, that was denting the reputation of the Punjab state as well. Work hard and put in extra effort to make every nook and corner of Punjab a zero burning area in the coming times, he emphasized.
Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research, said that the discussions centred around the performance of rice/basmati varieties in the state; paddy straw management; off season management of cotton sticks and yield prospects of cotton; sale of seed of wheat; sale of biofertilizers; promotion of oilseeds; and performance and commercial fabrication of new Mittar Seeder machine for paddy residue management and wheat sowing.
In his welcome address, Dr MS Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, informed that the field level functionaries and student fraternity of PAU have worked efficiently to check stubble blazing in the state. Although there was a reduction in farm fires, yet the issue needed to be tackled with constant efforts for the welfare of urban and rural population as well as state agriculture, he observed.
Dr GPS Sodhi, Additional Director of Extension Education, proposed a vote of thanks.
