Sangrur:- Under the guidance of the Director of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, and as part of the ongoing series of farmers’ awareness programmes, the PAU-Farm Advisory Service Centre (FASC), Sangrur organized a block-level farmers’ awareness seminar at village Longowal on the management of insect pests, diseases and nutrition in paddy and basmati. Around 100 farmers from Longowal and neighbouring villages, including Dhaddrian, Sahoke, Rattoke, Satipura, Dhillwan and Dayalgarh, participated in the camp.
During the camp, Dr. Ashok Kumar Garg, Senior Extension Scientist-cum-Incharge, FASC Sangrur, provided detailed information on the identification and effective management of major insect pests of paddy and basmati, particularly the stem borer and leaf folder. He advised farmers to apply insecticides only when the pest population exceeds the Economic Threshold Level (ETL). This approach can help reduce unnecessary pesticide use, cultivation costs and adverse effects on the environment.
Regarding the management of leaf folder, Dr. Garg explained that before panicle initiation, if an infestation is observed, dragging a 20–30 metre-long rope twice over the crop canopy is an effective and economical management practice. He emphasized that standing water should be maintained in the field while dragging the rope. In case of severe infestation, farmers were advised to use only PAU-recommended insecticides.
Dr. Amarjit Singh, Block Agriculture Officer, Sangrur, advised farmers to avoid the unnecessary and excessive use of urea for protecting paddy from diseases. He also sensitized farmers about Rice Dwarf Virus Disease, which is transmitted by the white-backed planthopper. Farmers were advised to regularly monitor their fields and, upon detecting the insect vector, use PAU-recommended insecticides such as Pexalon, Chess and Ulala, as per recommendations.
Dr. Garg also explained the management of false smut in paddy and highlighted the role of potassium nitrate in the management of sterility. He stated that, wherever required, a 1.5% potassium nitrate spray can be applied to the crop at the appropriate stage.
The farmers were also informed about the PAU Kisan Melas scheduled to be organized during September 2026 and were encouraged to participate in these events in large numbers to benefit from the latest agricultural technologies and expert recommendations. Information was also shared about various courses being offered by PAU for rural children and youth. The availability of winter vegetable kits was also discussed with the farmers.
The camp was organized with the active support of village farmers, including S. Bhupinder Singh, S. Kamaljit Singh, S. Jugraj Singh, S. Nihal Singh, S. Mahinder Singh and S. Nirmal Singh, along with farmers associated with the Kirti Kisan Union.
During the camp, mineral mixture for livestock and agricultural literature published by Punjab Agricultural University were also made available for sale to the participating farmers.