AGRICULTURE

Opt for hybrid rice technology, says expert
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 23
Hybrid rice technology has better water use efficiency and it can provide a viable option to Punjab whose water table is depleting, Dr S. S. Virmani of International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) said after delivering a lecture on “Heterosis in rice for increasing yield production, efficiency, and rural employment opportunities” at the PAU.

He laid stress on commercialising hybrid rice technology in India as it was labour intensive and would help generate employment in rural areas.

He said hybrid rice technology was yet to pick up in Punjab and the availability of local brand hybrids could change the scene in the state.

He said the IRRI had been sharing the hybrid rice technology with the public as well as the private sector. He said about 20 countries had taken advantage of this technology.

He elaborated on seed production guidelines and development of commercially usable hybrid seed production technology.

Before taking up hybrid seed production, proper place and season had to be identified, he said. He said acceptable grain quality of rice hybrid was essential to ensure profitability to farmers.

PAU to hold 5 kisan melas
Our Correspondent

Amloh, February 23
To create awareness among farmers about the deterioration of soil health, environment pollution, sinking water table, crop diversification and new techniques in agriculture Punjab Agriculture University (PAU) has decided to organise five kisan melas, asserted Dr M.S. Tiwana, Dean, College of Agriculture, PAU. He was speaking at Dharamgarh village, 5 km from here, on Tuesday.

He was accompanied by a team of university experts, Dr Amrik Singh Sandhu, Director, Extension Education, Dr G.S. Nanda, Director, Research, Dr Surjit Singh Gill, Additional Director, Dr Harbhajan Singh Saini, district extension specialist, and Dr Baljinder Singh Rana, plant specialists. They visited the agriculture farm of progressive farmer Balbir Singh Jaria for the Chief Minister award.

Dr Amrik Singh Sandhu stated that the kisan melas would be organised at Balluwal Sokri (Kandi), PAU (two days), Raoni village, Patiala, Bathinda and Gurdaspur on March 3, 4 and 5, 11, 16 and 21, respectively.

The team of experts visited the area where wheat PBW-502 has been sown with zero tillage. They found the crop comparatively healthy. A farmer can cultivate 10 to 12 acres in a day with zero tillage.

EDUCATION

Gurmat Samagam at Master Tara Singh College
Our correspondent

Ludhiana, February 23
As part of tercentenary of the martyrdom of Mata Gujri and four Sahibzadas, a gurmat samagam was organised on the college campus of Master Tara Singh Memorial College for Women here today.

Students of the postgraduate department read their papers in which they paid their homage to Mata Gujri and four Sahibzadas. Ms Jasmine of the Punjabi Department dwelled upon the reasons and the manner of their death. Students of the Music Department gave a soulful rendering of the martyrdom which claimed Guru Gobind Singhji’s mother.