Water level sinking, transplant paddy after June 20: PAU VC appeals to Punjab farmers

Ludhiana, June 20, 2024: In its 23rd Extension Council Meeting at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, PAU Vice-Chancellor, cautioned the Punjab farmers against paddy transplanting before June 20, observing that the underground water was depleting fast. 

This scenario could well turn into a catastrophe, both for agriculture as well as for the climate, he added. In a special missive to Punjab farmers, Dr Gosal urged them to conserve water and prefer less water guzzling and early maturing paddy varieties developed by PAU. “Transplanting paddy after June 20 is the most feasible way to conserve water, obtain high yield as well as pave the way to successful and sustainable rice cultivation” he observed.

Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director Research, PAU, gave an exhaustive review of the agricultural research achievements of the university. He advocated the transplanting of PR 131, PR 129, PR 128, PR 121, PR 122, PR 114 and PR 113 from June 20, whereas, PR 126, PR 127, PR 130 and HKR 147 from June 25 onwards. Since PR 126 vacates the field early and facilitates timely sowing of potato, peas or berseem crops, the transplanting of PR 126 can be done up to July 20, he advised the farmers.

Dr Gursahib Singh Manes, Additional Director of Research (Agri Engineering), PAU, and Dr GS Mangat, Additional Director of Research (Crop Improvement), PAU, presented the report of the Extension Council to the assembled dignitaries. Further, they shared that PAU had developed and recommended 11 short/medium duration rice varieties in the past 11 years which have yielded exceptional results at farmers’ fields, covering more than 70 per cent of paddy area in the state.

Earlier, Dr. Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director Extension Education, PAU, highlighted the extension services and activities of the Directorate. He stressed upon promoting nursery sowing of short duration varieties comprising Punjab Basmati 7, Punjab Basmati 5, Pusa Basmati 1121, Pusa Basmati 1847 and Pusa Basmati 1718 in the first fortnight of June, while that of CSR 30 and Pusa Basmati 1509 in the second fortnight of June. He also shared that the extension functionaries of PAU have been popularizing short duration rice varieties and Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) for saving water, labour and enhancing profitability, among Punjab farmers, who are also being advised to discourage the illegal use and sowing of Pusa 44.

The Extension Council Meeting was attended by Dr Satnam Singh, Chief Conservative Forest Officer, Dr Dilbagh Singh, Joint Director, Mr Manpreet Singh, Soil Conservative Officer, Dr Chander Mohan, former Professor, and Dr Gurkanwal Singh, former Director Horticulture; apart from progressive farmers Jaswant Singh Jatala, Gurvinder Singh Bajwa and Harvinder Singh. The meeting was also attended by prominent officers and scientists of PAU.

Later, Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director Research, PAU, proposed the vote of thanks.