Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, January 23: The Sugarcane Development Committee constituted by the Punjab Government met yesterday at PAU Camp Office Sector-70, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar under the chairmanship of Dr. S.S. Gosal, Vice Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University.
Farmer representatives S. Satnam Singh Shahni, S. Jangveer Singh Chauhan, S. Gurnam Singh and S. Gurpatap Singh, besides experts from the Agricultural University and mill representatives also attended the meeting.
During the meeting, experts from the Agricultural University shared the details of the cost price of sugarcane and the cost price of sugarcane cultivation for the next year, on which the farmer members also presented their views. Apart from this, a discussion was also held on determining the outline of mill-wise sugarcane varieties, so that good sugar recovery can be achieved along with sugarcane yield according to the region.
The committee urged the sugar mills to work more on bio-control method and popularize pest management through this method so that along with reducing the cost of cultivation, environment friendly techniques can also be promoted. Dr. Gulzar Singh Sanghera said that for proper yield and sugar recovery of sugarcane crop, cultivation management of sugarcane crop, pest management, timely sowing/harvesting of crop etc. are very important.
The committee emphasized on sowing of sugarcane varieties recommended by Punjab Agricultural University and Government of India for North Western Zone. Discussions were also held on promoting the use of cane harvester for sugarcane harvesting due to shortage of labourers over time and preparing a calendar for sugarcane harvesting by cane harvester. The committee members said that discussions were held in a good atmosphere for the development of sugarcane crop and to overcome the difficulties of farmers.