Sangrur 11 September:- Under the aegis of the Director of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, the PAU-Farm Advisory Service Centre (FASC), Sangrur, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, organized a block-level farmer awareness camp on in-situ crop residue management (CRM) at village Fatehgarh Panjgaraian. Farmers from neighbouring villages, including Tibba and Badesha, also participated in the camp.
Addressing the farmers, Dr. Ashok Kumar Garg, Senior Extension Scientist (Soil Science), PAU-FASC Sangrur, urged them to completely shun paddy straw burning and adopt environmentally sustainable methods of crop residue management. He highlighted that in-situ CRM helps conserve soil nutrients and organic matter, improve soil health, reduce air pollution and maintain long-term soil productivity.
Dr. Garg emphasized the importance of soil testing before fertilizer application to determine the actual nutrient requirements of the soil and crop. He advised farmers to use fertilizers judiciously and adopt integrated nutrient management (INM) for sustainable crop production.
The farmers were also apprised of the use and benefits of recommended biofertilizers in rabi crops, along with PAU-recommended varieties of wheat and other rabi crops suitable for Punjab conditions. He stressed that the use of quality seed of recommended varieties, coupled with balanced nutrient management, is essential for achieving higher productivity and better farm returns.
Dr. Harpreet Singh, Agricultural Development Officer (ADO), Dhuri, acquainted the farmers with various schemes and programmes being implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. He also highlighted the benefits of adopting in-situ crop residue management for improving soil health, conserving resources and reducing environmental pollution.
Dr. Garg further encouraged farmers to establish and maintain kitchen gardens at their homes for the production of fresh, nutritious and safe vegetables, thereby contributing to family nutrition and food security. He also apprised the farmers about the PAU Kisan Melas and encouraged them to participate in these events to gain access to the latest agricultural technologies, recommended crop varieties, farm machinery, publications and expert advice from PAU scientists.
Sh. Harminder Singh, Agricultural Sub-Inspector (ASI), assisted in making the necessary arrangements for the successful conduct of the camp.
The camp provided an interactive platform for farmers to seek expert guidance on crop residue management, soil health, balanced fertilization, biofertilizers and preparations for the upcoming rabi cropping season.