Dhuri/Sangrur, December 20:- With the objective of equipping farmers with scientific and practical knowledge related to Rabi crops, the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department organised a district-level farmers’ training camp and exhibition at Dhuri. The camp witnessed enthusiastic participation from a large number of farmers from various villages across Sangrur district, reflecting keen interest in adopting improved and income-enhancing agricultural practices.
Chairman, Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation, Dalvir Singh Dhillon urged farmers to fully avail the benefits of welfare schemes being implemented by the Punjab Government. Emphasising crop diversification, he called upon farmers to follow expert recommendations and adopt allied activities such as beekeeping, animal husbandry, fisheries, poultry farming, dairy, horticulture and floriculture, alongside traditional farming, to ensure sustainable growth in farm income.
The camp was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Rahul Chaba, while it was presided over by Dr. Jaswant Singh, Director, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, Punjab.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the need to move beyond primary farming and encouraged farmers, Self Help Groups, cooperative societies and progressive cultivators to explore processing of agricultural produce. He stated that enhancing farm income requires not only value addition through processing but also strengthening marketing skills to access better markets.
Providing technical insights, Dr. Karanjit Singh Gill, Joint Director, Agriculture (Extension and Training), assured farmers that adequate arrangements for fertilisers, seeds and pesticides have been made for Rabi 2025 and that no shortage of agricultural inputs would be allowed during the sowing season. He underlined that modern agriculture demands technical know-how and the adoption of new technologies, coupled with responsible use and conservation of natural resources such as soil, water and the environment.
Dr. Arun Kumar, Joint Director, Agriculture (Horticulture), informed that the Punjab Government is preparing a comprehensive proposal on crop diversification to be sent to the Government of India, aimed at ensuring better marketing support for farmers. He further shared that under the ATMA scheme, Kisan Haats are being established to enable farmers to sell diversified crops directly to consumers.
During the technical sessions, experts from Punjab Agricultural University and the Agriculture Department shared detailed guidance on improved seeds, pest and disease management, scientific cultivation practices, machinery maintenance, and the importance of soil and water testing. Farmers’ queries were addressed on the spot, while informative exhibitions by various departments further enriched the learning experience.
On the occasion, 120 farmers, farm women and Self Help Groups adopting agriculture, allied activities and effective crop residue management were honoured. Concluding the programme, the Chief Agriculture Officer, Sangrur, thanked all participants, experts and staff for making the camp a success and reiterated the department’s commitment to farmer-centric development.