Follow GAP guidelines for residue-free basmati: PAU

Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, May 30

The School of Organic Farming, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), organised a training programme on “Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in Basmati Rice” for farmers under Biotech-KISAN, a project sponsored by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.

Farmers from adopted clusters in the districts of Ferozepur, Sangrur and Patiala participated in the training programme. A total of 150 acres of area belonging to various farmers is under the project in three clusters. Basmati seeds, bio-fungicides, bio-fertilisers and leaf colour charts were distributed to farmers to encourage the adoption of GAP in basmati cultivation.

The Additional Director of Extension Education, PAU, Dr GS Buttar, highlighted the issue of pesticide residues in basmati exports and laid stress on the judicious use of agro-chemicals and water in irrigation.

The Director of the School of Organic Farming, Dr CS Aulakh, said the aim of the project was to demonstrate and popularise GAP for production of safe food for consumers. He advised the farmers to follow GAP guidelines for pesticide-free or pesticide residue-free produce.

Expert lectures were held on various non-chemical interventions in basmati cultivation. A “Kisan Diary” on GAP was also released on the occasion. An agronomy expert, Dr SS Walia, proposed a vote of thanks.

Aim of programme

• Demonstrate and popularise GAP for production of safe food for consumers 
• Farmers were advised to follow GAP guidelines for pesticide-free or pesticide residue-free produce
• Basmati seeds, bio-fungicides, bio-fertilisers and leaf colour charts were distributed to farmers to encourage the adoption of GAP in basmati cultivation.