Quit traditional practice of growing same crop pattern: Expert

Our Correspondent

Jalandhar, May 22

A panel discussion on traditional seeds was held at Pushpa Gujral Science City, Kapurthala, today on International Day for Biological Diversity. The function was jointly organised by the science city and Punjab Bio-Diversity Board, Chandigarh.

Besides, an exhibition was also organised on the subject of traditional seeds.

As many as 100 farmers participated in the event from all over the state.

While addressing the audience, Dr Neelima Jerath, Director General, Science City said: “Seed is a basic unit of crop, seeds become a grain but every grain cannot be converted into seed. The selection of seeds should be done by taking into account the types of soil and the environment conditions.”

“It is being observed that the overuse of chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides for the high yield of growth is harmful for human life. Therefore it is the need of the hour that farmers should grow diversified crops and quit the traditional practice to grow the same crop pattern time and again,” added Dr Jerath.

She said this type of adoption in agriculture practices as well hybrid seeds would increase the fertility of the soil and restrain farmers from making the excess use of chemicals, fertilisers and pesticides.

Dr Rajesh Grover, Director, Science City, urged the farmers to follow the methods of crop diversification and choose the seeds that require less water in order to maintain the level of groundwater.

He advised farmers to grow crops as per the schedule of the state government and say no to the stubble burning.

Dr Naresh Gulati from Agriculture office, Jalandhar, said due to the lack of manpower in the cultivation of paddy crop, machines are being used. Innovative and novel approaches are required to overcome this problem by using seedling tray machines.