Farmers told about benefits of organic farming

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, March 23

To save Punjab region from excess use of chemicals and fertilisers and to conserve ground water, a regional language-based programme was organised by the Community College of Central University of Punjab on its city premises under the guidance of Dean Prof P Ramarao.

The main aim of organising the programme was to attract farmers towards organic farming, its benefits and to conserve water. The programme was organised by the nodal officer of Community College, Dr Sunil Mittal. About 200 farmers participated in the organic farming-based programme.

In his address, Vice-Chancellor, Prof R K Kohli, said a significant arable land was getting converted into desert and desertification in the country is a major cause of concern. He was worried over conversion of arable lands for commercial purposes which are affecting food production in the country. He also stressed to carry lab experiments into the fields for the community benefits.

He said sooner the university would start to prepare data mapping of water in selected villages in Malwa region. He said facilities of the community college in the university were open to the farming research works and training also. Prof Kohli also honoured the progressive farmers at the end of the programme.

In the opening lecture, Rajbir Singh, organic farming expert of Amritsar, said efforts to increase organic farming through Pingalwara in Amritsar was giving results and many farmers were attached with the campaign now. He said to curb the cultivation effects on nature, we need to switch over to organic farming. He stressed over to stop excess use of fertilizers, chemicals.

Umendra Dutt of Kheti Virasat Mission stressed over the importance of organic farming. He said although the pretence made about benefits of chemicals and fertilizers but the health concerns arose with it doing major loss of human and wealth.

BK Tripathi shared information over fountain and drop cultivation helping to save water and money. During the programme, organic farmers Hartesh Singh Mehta, Bhola Singh and Kamaljit Singh shared their views about the organic farming and its techniques.

Dr Sunil Mittal welcomed all the distinguished guests and general public. He also informed that the community college is running a diploma in green farming which trains the students in green farming technologies. He also informed that in future the organic farming related programmes would be a continuous process. Dr J S Bilga informed about the courses and schemes of the community college. An organic stall was also set up during the programme which got good response of the university staff. Dr Amandeep and Dr Monisha Dhiman were also present during the programme.