Seminar to educate farmers on sugarcane
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 1
The Jagraon Cooperative Sugar Mills organised a training and demonstration seminar yesterday to educate, train and demonstrate the technique of mechanised ring- pit method of sugarcane planting by transplanting nursery raised seedlings on this method.

Field officials of the sugar mills at Patiala and Jagraon participated in the seminar so that knowledge about the technique could be effectively disseminated. This has become necessary in view of the large scale reduction in cane area. This has restricted the availability of cane seed for the forthcoming planting season, informed Mr A.N. Singh Chauhan, MD of the mill.

Addressing the participants, he said it had been established during trials monitored by Sugarfed, Punjab Agricultural University and the Department of Agriculture, last year that the mechanised ring-pit method had the potential to increase the sugarcane yield by two to three times the normal yield obtained by conventional planting methods. However, the requirement of seed is slightly higher in this system, he pointed out.

In order to overcome this problem this year, farmers were told that pregerminated seed should be transplanted in the pits having sufficient moisture since this not only reduced the requirement of seed to less than half against the conventional system but it also ensures better germination as well as removal of weeds. In this system, the plant population is maintained and established by encouraging tillering.

He said in order to raise a nursery, a seedbed is prepared. Ten ‘marla’ area is required to raise nursery for an acre. Thirty to thirtyfive thousand single budded sets are placed in five feet by five feet beds, keeping the buds upwards. Light soil is spread over these sets and light irrigation is provided. Depending upon climate, seedlings are ready for transplantation within 40 to 45 days.

Before transplanting, chop off the green leaves from 3 to 4 inches from the ground and level to check evaporation/ transpiration after transplanting. If this is not done, plants will dry up. While transplanting, the seedlings should not be placed in front of irrigation channels and also not on the corners of the pits. All other practices are the same as in mechanised ring-pit method of sugarcane planting.

The queries of the farmers were handled by the coordinator, Dr S.P. Singh, biologist, Sugarfed, Punjab. An objective type test was held to ensure that the trainees followed the technique.

This was in addition to ongoing village meetings, personal contacts and field days being organised by the mill officials to encourage and motivate the farmers to plant sugarcane in this area.

Students enact historical moments
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 1
A function to commemorate historical moments were depicted through skits, choreographies and dances by students of DAV School at a function held here yesterday. The programme titled ‘A glance at our heritage’ showed how hard the students and teachers had worked.

The programme started with ‘Saraswati vandana’ followed by a classical dance. Scenes from the Mughal period went straight into hearts of the audience.

Modern period depicted ‘Heer’ of Amrita Pritam and brought out the pitiable condition of women. Folk dances depicted homogenous variety in dresses and styles.

A ‘Nritya natika’ on girl child and ‘Maa ki mamta’ were based on the female foeticide and showcased how the gender bias against women was still prevalent. Students also displayed the models on environmental pollution. Principal of the school, Mr R.S. Patial, had invited the parents of meritorious students as chief guests.

From Schools 
Family reunion function at Everest school
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 1
A family reunion function was organised at Everest Senior Secondary School, Moti Nagar, here yesterday. Mr Munish Tiwari, secretary , All-India Congress Committee, was the chief guest. The NSS unit was also inaugurated by Mr Tiwari. Mr Rajinder Sharma, director, urged the parents to spend more time with their children. Mr Tiwari said since education had become child centric, therefore responsibilities of parents had also increased.

Parents Day celebrated: In order to make the grandparents feel important, BCM Kindergarten section yesterday organised ‘Grandparents’ Day’ on its premises. Grandparents of pre-primary students were invited to attend the function: Various games like tambola, musical chairs, quiz and dance items were also arranged. The kids along with grandparents danced to the beats of music. The Principal, Ms Parmajit Kaur, highlighted the role of grandparents in child’s life and exhorted the audience not to ape the West. In fact it was a day to remind grandparents that their grandchildren are born to be guided, sheltered and loved by them.

Teej festival: The pre-primary section of GNI Senior Secondary Public School, Model Town, Ludhiana, organised a “teej festival” yesterday. Ishpreet Kaur was selected ‘Miss Punjaban. Students sang, danced and enjoyed swings and relished eatables.

Meeting: Gujranwala Guru Nanak Khalsa College of Pharmacy, Ludhiana, organised a meeting of its alumni association yesterday. This was the first meeting of the association. Mr Kuldip Singh speaking on the occasion said the purpose of forming the association was to promote fellowship among former students of the institution. Ms Ravinder Dang, Head of the Department, highlighted the aims and objectives of forming the association. A cultural programme was organised by students of IInd year D. Pharm followed by ‘Open House’ conducted by Dr S.S. Luthra and Ms Priyanka Modi.

Competition: Students of GMT Senior Secondary School participated in the inter house mehndi competition. Students from classes IV to XII showcased their talents through this competition. The winners of the competition are; Neha (class X) Yellow House, Shehnaz (class VII) Blue House, Harjeet (class VIII) Yellow House, and consolation prize to Ritika (class XII), Blue House, and Puja (class X) Red House.

KVM students have fun

Ludhiana, August 1
It was a day of fun and adventure for KVM students at the first ever Camp organised by Kundan Vidya Mandir, Civil Lines. The camp was organised as part of activity oriented curriculum to give the students an opportunity to build confidence.