Agri concerns discussed at PAU review meet

Agrarian concerns, encompassing curbing the use of water-intensive crop varieties, combating paddy residue burning, and controlling the attack of insect pests and diseases in various crops, were the talking points of the review meeting of the Research and Extension Committee, held at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today. Chairing the meeting, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, asked the scientists to be on their toes to resolve farmers’ emerging problems related to agriculture, especially concerning wheat disease management and crop diversification. In light of extreme climate fluctuations, be it blistering summers or harsh winters, he said it was high time to step up efforts to issue and disseminate agro-advisories from lab or lap (mobile phones or laptops) to land.

He said although hi-tech gadgets had made communication faster through social media, yet the traditional ways of personal communication with farmers via visits to their fields must not be forgotten. Further, Dr Gosal observed that the university strived and won accolades due to the unceasing determination of scientists and the unrelenting support of Punjab’s farmers, together they must stand united in all times to come.

Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research, said during the meeting that feedback was taken regarding pest management in cotton, promotion of oilseeds and pulses, decrease in water-gulping spring maize area, performance of weedicides, paddy straw management, performance of new residue management technology ‘Mittar Seeder,’ and sale of biofertilisers and online farm publications.

Dr GPS Sodhi, Additional Director of Extension Education (ADEE), said special thrust was laid on wheat seed sale and the current condition of pest management in the wheat crop. He advised the extension functionaries to remain committed to redressing farmers’ grievances by maintaining contacts and visiting fields regularly.