Bhawanigarh, June 09: To encourage the balanced and efficient use of chemical fertilizers and bio-fertilizers, the Farm Advisory Service Center, Sangrur, under the guidelines of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, organized a village-level farmers' training camp at Bhattiwal Khurd. The camp focused on the application of bio-fertilizer inoculants (Azospirillum) for paddy and basmati seedlings, soil test-based fertilizer management, and avoiding the use of unnecessary phosphorus fertilizers in paddy.
Leading the camp, Dr. Ashok Kumar Garg, Senior Extension Scientist, urged farmers to use fertilizers only based on soil test results. He stated that balanced fertilizer use not only reduces cultivation costs but also improves crop yield and soil health. He provided detailed information on the method of soil sampling and demonstrated the procedure practically to the farmers.
Dr. Garg appealed to farmers to avoid the unnecessary use of DAP fertilizer in paddy and basmati and to use urea judiciously. He specifically advised against the practice of applying 2-3 bags of urea before puddling. He also recommended using zinc only in the prescribed quantity to overcome zinc deficiency in paddy.
Sharing the importance of organic fertilizers, Dr. Garg said that the Azospirillum inoculant applied to paddy seedlings plays a crucial role in increasing crop yield and improving the biological health of the soil. He also provided detailed information on recommended fertilizers and other management practices for preparing paddy nursery.
During the session, Dr. Garg shared recommendations regarding the identification and prevention of 'stunted plant disease' (dwarfism) in paddy nurseries and encouraged farmers to regularly monitor their seedlings.
The success of the camp was supported by the contributions of S. Satgur Singh, Ravinder Singh, Gurdhyan Singh, Gurtej Singh, and others. Agricultural literature was also made available for sale.
During the camp, various agricultural queries raised by farmers were answered in a systematic and scientific manner. Farmers showed great interest in getting their soil tested and adopting recommended fertilizer management practices.