Workshop held on sustainable agri innovations

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) recently hosted a high-level agricultural workshop focussing on advancements in crop varieties, innovative farming techniques and the key challenges facing agriculture. Experts, scientists and policymakers gathered to discuss strategies for boosting productivity and improving sustainability for the upcoming kharif season.

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The Director of Agriculture, Punjab, praised PAU’s efforts in promoting direct-seeded rice (DSR), maize, basmati rice and cotton cultivation. However, he emphasised the need for further research on weed management in DSR and called for the development of new recommendations and improved crop varieties to address emerging challenges. He also lauded PAU’s progress in stubble management and urged continued innovation in straw decomposers to enhance residue management.

PAU’s Director of Research, Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, presented several key recommendations for the upcoming Kharif season, including improved varieties, production techniques and plant protection strategies. He introduced PR-132, a newly recommended mid-maturity non-basmati rice variety that requires 25 per cent less nitrogen fertiliser and matures in 111 days, producing an average yield of 31.5 quintals per acre with superior grain quality.

For maize, Dr Dhatt highlighted PMH-17, a hybrid variety that matures in 96 days and yields 25 quintals per acre. This variety is particularly suited for ethanol production and shows moderate resistance to fall armyworm infestations. Additionally, he introduced Sim Unnati, a mint variety and Punjab Kangani-1, a foxtail millet variety, emphasising their potential for agricultural diversification and sustainability.

During the session, PAU experts also discussed advanced production and plant protection techniques, including recommendations for rodent management in DSR fields.

A book on agricultural processing, value addition and agribusiness was also released during the event. The session was moderated by Dr Tejinder Singh Riar, Additional Director of Communication, who encouraged experts to intensify efforts in sharing PAU’s research and agricultural literature with farming communities.

The workshop served as an important platform for advancing agricultural knowledge and providing practical solutions for enhancing productivity and sustainability in the region.