Farmers told to adopt technology, sustainable agricultural practices to preserve soil, water

Farmers of the region have vowed to adopt sustainable and modern agricultural practices to enhance productivity and conserve natural resources, including soil and underground water.

An oath was taken during the concluding session of an awareness camp held by experts from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, at Kalsian Cooperative Society near here on Saturday.

Senior functionaries from Centres for International Projects Trust (CIPT) and Agricultural Technology and Management Agency (ATMA) illustrated the significance of implementation of technical knowledge and research in modern agriculture with focus on preservation of natural resources, including soil and underground water.

Speakers, including Malwinder Singh Malhi, Sarabjit Singh and Amandeep Singh, appreciated that wheat, paddy and potato growers had started following tips being given by experts in various fields with intent to upgrade their economic status and check degradation of three components of biosphere required for sustenance of life — soil, water and air.

“We are glad that the cooperative movement in Punjab has gone a long way in persuading traditional farmers to make optimum use of agricultural innovations, mutual collaboration, research, digitisation and safer use of pesticides under guidance of experts in various fields,” said

Malhi.

Potato crop diseases, nutrient imbalances and strategies for protection against late blight in potatoes and yellow rust were cited among issues discussed during the interactive session.