Discussions were held on agricultural challenges due to water scarcity
Captain Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister of Punjab, recently inaugurated the two-day Virtual Kisan Mela of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). “Kheti (agriculture) is Punjab’s jaan (lifeline). The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has contributed tremendously to the ushering in of Green Revolution in the country through the development of varieties PV 18 and Lerma Rojo 64. Punjab, a small state, is making the maximum contribution to the food buffer of India, a big country,” said Capt Singh.
“PAU and the State Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare are making all-out efforts for the prosperity of the farmers and agri-development. Punjab farmers should reap full benefit from it,” he urged.
Pointing out the agricultural challenges, he said water issues were deepening due to scanty rainfall as well as snowfall, resulting in low water levels in dams and ultimately, leading to power (electricity) woes.
Cap Singh called upon the farmers to refrain from sowing water-guzzling varieties and instead adopt less water consuming varieties and drip irrigation techniques to conserve water. He also stressed upon the farmers opt for crop diversification to augment their farm earnings.
Suresh Kumar, Chief Principal Secretary to Punjab Chief Minister, was the special guest on the occasion.
Anirudh Tewari, Additional Chief Secretary (Development), Punjab and Vice-Chancellor, PAU, said the mela theme ’Efficient Paddy Straw Management Keeps Mother Earth Exultant’ aimed at promoting in-situ management of paddy straw that is through incorporation into the soil. Advising the farmers to use PAU Happy Seeder and Super Seeder technologies, he said the university has also developed a new technology named ‘PAU Smart Seeder’ for crop residue management. The area under the Direct Seeded Rice technique has seen an upswing in Punjab in the last two years with the joint efforts of PAU and State Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare,” he informed.
Dr Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), said GADVASU has collaborated with 18 Krishi Vigyan Kendras of PAU for training in animals husbandry. Besides, GADVASU has tied up with 10 international ranking universities in the field of research, he added. Dr Singh also briefed about research and extension programmes, underway in the university.
Dr Jaskarn Singh Mahal, Director of Extension Education, said that Kisan Melas were a platform for Kisans of Punjab and adjoining states to gain scientific knowledge. Last, year farmers from Pakistan also participated in the mela, he added. Although melas are being held virtually, yet every effort has been made to provide quality seeds, inputs and information about the latest recommendations to the farmers at their doorstep through ICT tools, he added.
Dr Navtej Singh Bains, Director of Research, while proposing a vote of thanks, urged the farmers to purchase quality and improved seed, planting material and farm publications for updating and enhancing their agricultural knowledge.
Dr Tejinder Singh Riar, Additional Director Communication, conducted the programme. Panel discussions were held on crop residue management and the scope of horticultural and forestry crops during the mela.
