Farmers of Kular village embrace sustainable agriculture, attend training

Farmers from Kular village took a significant step towards sustainable agriculture this week by participating in a hands-on training programme on integrated farming, organised by the Department of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana. Conducted under the Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) programme by final-year BSc Agriculture (Hons) students, the camp drew around 50 enthusiastic farmers eager to learn new techniques for diversified and resilient farming.

Baldev Singh, a seasoned farmer from Kular, reflected on the shift in perspective the camp offered. “We’ve always grown wheat and paddy—it’s what our fathers and grandfathers did. But this camp opened our eyes to the benefits of diversifying with vegetables and oilseeds. I never realised how much potential there was in growing crops like mustard or okra, alongside our staples. It’s not just about income—it’s about making our farms more resilient to changing weather and market conditions. I’m already planning to allocate a portion of my land to try out these new crops.”

Gurpreet Kaur, who manages a small orchard with her family, shared her enthusiasm for the practical insights. “Learning about fruit fly management and organic practices was especially useful. We’ve struggled with pest issues in our guava and kinnow trees, and the idea of using eco-friendly traps really appealed to me. It’s simple, affordable, and doesn’t harm the environment. We’re now planning to install traps in our orchards to reduce dependence on chemical sprays. I feel more confident about protecting our produce and improving its quality.”

Dr Sohan Singh Walia, Director, School of Organic Farming, emphasised the benefits of adopting the integrated farming system (IFS), which combines crop cultivation with livestock, horticulture and other components to maximise resource use and minimise waste. “IFS is not just a method—it’s a mind-set shift toward self-sufficiency and sustainability,” he said.

Dr Lakhwinder Kaur, RAWE Coordinator, highlighted the PAU’s digital outreach tools, including the PAU Kisan App, Facebook Live sessions and Kheti Sandesh, which help farmers stay informed and connected. Dr Dharminder Singh, Principal Scientist, encouraged farmers to maintain detailed records and build strong linkages with the PAU for ongoing support. He also invited them to attend the upcoming Kisan Mela on September 26–27.

Students Tanveer Singh and Gurteg Singh delivered technical sessions on pest management, while Arshdeep Singh, secretary of the cooperative society, facilitated local coordination. The programme was smoothly managed by student coordinator Diksha.

The camp not only equipped farmers with practical knowledge but also fostered a spirit of innovation and collaboration. As one farmer summed it up: “This wasn’t just a training—it was a turning point.”