Farmers urged to adopt scientific methods in agriculture at Kisan Mela

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 18

To apprise farmers about latest agricultural technologies and government schemes, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, SAS Nagar of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana organised Kisan Mela at Kurali.

Dr Yashwant Singh, Deputy Director, KVK said the main focus was on paddy straw management. Balbir Singh Sidhu, Cabinet Minister, Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries, Punjab was the chief guest of the programme, who addressed the farmers and motivated them to adopt scientific agriculture and in-situ paddy straw management methods.

He also encouraged the farmers to adopt other allied occupations such as dairy, poultry, pig rearing, fish farming for additional income generation.

Dr Amarjit Singh Nanda, Vice-Chancellor, GADVASU, educated the farmers not to burn crop residue. He apprised them about the alternative uses of stubble in dairy farming.

The institute strives to disseminate information about crop residue management through different platforms of its KVKs, GADVASU main campus, print and electronic media and publications, said Dr Harish Kumar Verma, Director, Extension Education.

Dr Yashwant Singh explained different activities conducted at the kendra and the present status of crop residue burning. He also shared the contribution of women in agriculture and allied activities.

Deputy Director, Balwinder Kumar and Assistant Professor Navjot Singh Brar from KVK Tarntaran, informed the farmers regarding cultivation of main rabi season crops and in-situ paddy straw management.

Dr RS Grewal and Dr Nitin Mehta described the importance of paddy residue in balanced diet of dairy animals and nutritive value of meat and eggs.

Dr Harmeet Kaur and Dr Priyanka Suryavanshi explained the ill-effects of crop residue burning, useful machinery for paddy residue management and rodent control in happy seeder sown wheat field.

A book “Harhi Diyan Sabjian Di Vigiyanik Kashat” written by Dr Munish, Assistant Professor, Department of Horticulture, was also released during the programme.

The school and college students got awarded for their performances during various competitions such as poster making, model making and declamation on paddy residue management. Progressive farmers and farm women were also awarded during this event. An exhibition on crop residue management machinery and livestock professions was also organised during the mela.