Shahpur MLA Kewal Singh Pathania reviews crop woes, promotes natural farming

In a proactive outreach to the farming community, Deputy Chief Whip and Shahpur MLA Kewal Singh Pathania on Wednesday visited agricultural fields in the Shahpur region of Kangra district, accompanied by a team of scientists from Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University. The visit aimed to review organic farming practices and address issues related to crop damage.

The expert delegation was led by University Vice-Chancellor Dr Naveen Kumar and included Director of Extension Education Dr Vinod Sharma, Joint Director (Agriculture) Dr Rahul Katoch and Scientist Dr Deep Kumar.

During the field inspection, the team held detailed interactions with local farmers, listening to their concerns and assessing recurring crop damage problems. It was decided that focused field surveys would be carried out and tailored support would be extended to affected farmers.

Pathania also followed up on earlier complaints from farmers in Rehlu, Dargela and Thamba villages about the spread of invasive weeds, locally known as alligator, naali and dudhli grass. In response, a joint team from the Agriculture Department and CSKHPAU was dispatched to the area to suggest scientific solutions.

Farmers were advised to use 2,4-D ethyl herbicide in paddy fields and glyphosate or paraquat in fallow lands to combat weed infestations. The weed awareness campaign launched by the team was met with a positive response from the farming community.

Promoting the benefits of organic farming, Pathania urged farmers to cultivate seasonal fruits and vegetables as a simple means to enhance both family nutrition and income. Standing in his own vegetable garden, he emphasised that he abstains from using chemical fertilisers or pesticides, setting a personal example of sustainable agriculture.

“Balancing the health of the soil, environment, and human beings is the need of the hour. Only then can we build a truly healthy society,” Pathania said.