Energy conservation is the need of the hour, say experts

Tribune News Service

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Ludhiana, November 4

The two-day national seminar on ‘upscaling energy efficiency and sustainable practices in agriculture sector’ concluded at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) here today.

The seminar was jointly organised by the School of Energy Studies for Agriculture, PAU; PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA). Delegates, farm engineers from PAU, and farmers from various parts of Punjab participated in the seminar.

PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, who was the chief guest, observed that “energy conservation is the need of the hour.” He said proper selection of farm machinery and its appropriate use on custom hiring basis by the farmers can play a key role in efficient use of energy. Highlighting the priority areas of research like conservation agriculture, paddy straw management, he said the university aims at reducing the input costs and enhancing the income of the farmers.

Dr BS Pathak, former United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) consultant, said: “Energy crops like sugarcane, maize and sweet sorghum among others need land, water, fertilizers, and can only be grown at the cost of food crops.” He added that focus on energy conservation, diversification and mechanisation was essential.

Nilkanth S Ahvad, executive director, PCRA, traced the history of the organisation and highlighted its achievements. He suggested that 640 Krishi Vigyan Kendras across the country could contribute to the cost-cutting, income enhancement and energy saving by educating the farmers.

Dr Praveen Rathee, regional director, PHD Chamber, said, “Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy. It plays a vital role in national growth as well as employment generation.” Using energy efficiently and preserving it after using in various areas calls for the attention of the farm experts, he observed.

US Ahuja, chairman, PHD Chamber, Ludhiana Chapter, said the two-day deliberations would go a long way in promoting energy efficiency among the farmers.