Dhuri, August 18:- Continuing its series of farmer awareness programmes, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, organized an awareness camp at village Ghanour Kalan through the PAU-Farm Advisory Service Centre (PAU-FASC), Sangrur, under the guidance of the Director of Extension Education. The camp focused on the identification, monitoring and effective management of major insect-pests and diseases affecting paddy and basmati crops.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Garg, Senior Extension Scientist and In-charge, PAU-FASC Sangrur, apprised farmers about major insect-pests of paddy and basmati, particularly stem borer and leaf folder. He advised farmers to regularly monitor their fields and apply insecticides only when pest populations exceed the Economic Threshold Level (ETL). Such an approach, he said, would help minimize unnecessary pesticide use, reduce production costs and lessen adverse effects on the environment.
Discussing leaf folder management, Dr. Garg explained that before panicle emergence, if leaf folder infestation is observed, the pest can be effectively managed by passing a 20–30 metre-long coconut rope or rope twice over the crop canopy. He emphasized that water should be standing in the field while the rope is passed through the crop. In case of severe infestation, farmers should use recommended insecticides strictly according to PAU recommendations.
For disease prevention, farmers were advised to avoid unnecessary and excessive application of urea, as excessive nitrogen can increase crop susceptibility to several diseases. Dr. Garg also sensitized farmers about rice dwarfing disease, a viral disease transmitted by the white-backed planthopper. He advised farmers to regularly monitor their fields for the pest and, wherever its population warrants control, use recommended insecticides such as Pexalon, Chess and Ulala as per PAU recommendations.
Dr. Garg also highlighted the use of potassium nitrate for managing sterility in paddy. He explained that, wherever required, a 1.5 per cent potassium nitrate spray on the crop canopy can help reduce the problem.
The farmers were also informed about the Kisan Melas to be organized by Punjab Agricultural University during September 2026. They were encouraged to participate in these events in large numbers to benefit from the latest agricultural technologies and expert advice. Information regarding various educational and skill-oriented courses offered by the University for rural youth was also shared.
The camp was organized with the active cooperation of village farmers, including S. Amrik Singh, Mukhtiar Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Pardeep Singh and other farmers. Mineral mixture for livestock and agricultural literature published by Punjab Agricultural University were also made available to the farmers during the camp.