Farm advisory services centre holds meeting with farmers

Problems of farmers were discussed with agriculture experts in a meeting of the Punjab Naujawan Kisan Sanstha held at the Farm Advisory Service Centre here on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Parvinder Singh, in charge, Farm Advisory Service Centre, Tarn Taran. Farmers in big numbers participated in the meeting.

Agriculture expert Parvinder Singh, senior extension scientist (plant pathology) Parminder Kaur, district extension scientist (fruits) Savreet Khehra and district extension scientist (agronomy) Parminder Singh Sandhu addressed the farmers and stressed on better cultivation practices for growing summer vegetables at home on a commercial scale.

The scientists provided an overview of the current scenario of insects, pests and diseases in rabi crops, highlighting the challenges faced by farmers in the region. They explained the impact of pests and diseases such as pink stem borer, armyworm, aphids, yellow rust and Karnal bunt on wheat crop.

Farmers were also guided about the judicious use of agrochemicals in crops. Stress was also laid on the need of a nutrition garden to meet the dietary requirements and farmers were informed on how to care of fruit plants during the winter season and how to plant deciduous fruit plants.

Sandhu discussed integrated weed management strategies for various rabi crops. The experts advised the farmers on proper use of fertilisers and correct nozzle for optimal growth and yield and told them to avoid over fertilisation as it could harm the environment and reduce profitability.