Training in improved seed production
Ludhiana: A monthly training camp of Seed Producers and Nursery Growers’ Association (SAPNA) was held at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). Dr TS Bains, an expert of plant breeding and genetics and Dr Amarjit Singh, an expert of plant pathology, educated the participants about seed production of pulses and disease management in rabi crops. Coordinator of SAPNA, Dr TS Riar, said the members of the association were helping in providing improved seeds of various crops and PAU farm publications to other farmers.
Beekeeping course concludes
A four-day advanced training course on ‘Beekeeping’ concluded at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). Horticulture Development Officers, Agriculture Development Officers and Assistant Professors of Krishi Vigyan Kendras participated in the course, jointly conducted by the Directorate of Extension Education and Department of Entomology, PAU. Dr GS Buttar, Additional Director of Extension Education, said the experts highlighted the importance and scope of beekeeping and its diversification in Punjab. Besides, they gave tips for starting beekeeping and acquainted trainees with Langstroth Hive, apicultural equipment, principles of their working and uses, he said. The experts also informed about management of honey bee colonies during spring and summer season; importance of queen bee and need of mass/commercial queen bee rearing; and monsoon, autumn and winter season management of honey bee colonies. Dr Buttar said the focus was also on the diseases of honey bees and their management, mass queen bee rearing techniques, technologies for production of bee products, beekeeping schemes under National Horticulture Mission, financial schemes of banks for beekeepers, economics of beekeeping; and honey quality, grades, packing and AGMARK.
The resource persons included entomology experts — Dr Jaspal Singh, Dr PK Chhuneja, Dr Harminder Kaur Deosi and Dr Amit Choudhary from PAU; and representatives of the State Horticulture Department, Punjab National Bank and AGMARK. Dr TS Riar and Dr Kulvir Kaur were the course coordinators, while Dr Jaspal Singh was technical coordinator. — TNS
