Sangrur, June 17
The PAU-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sangrur, ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR), Ludhiana, and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Sangrur, jointly organised a Farmer-Scientist Interface under ”Save Farm Campaign” at Bahadarpur, Block Sangrur. The event focused on balanced use of fertilizers and improved cultivation practices for kharif crops.
During this event, Dr. Mandeep Singh, incharge, PAU-KVK Sangrur stressed the significance of soil testing before fertilizer application. He advised the farmers to adopt scientific nutrient management to maintain soil health and reduce input costs. He also highlighted the benefits of green manure crops in enhancing soil health and saving nitrogenous fertilizers.
Dr. Amarjeet Singh, Block Development Officer, Sangrur emphasized on natural resource conservation, urging judicious use of agro-chemicals to protect mother ‘Earth’. He shared practical tips for efficient management of paddy dwarfing virurs and inspired farmers to get the soils tested before adding chemical fertilizers in the fields.
Dr. Rukinderpreet Singh, Assistant Professor (Crop production) advised to completely skip the application of phosphorus fertilizers in paddy and basmati crops where recommended dose of DAP had been applied to the previous wheat crop and the soil test report shows medium to high range of available phosphorus. He suggested that where green manure crops like dhaincha, sunhemp have been incorporated, farmers should reduce urea application accordingly.
Dr. Deepak Mohan, Scientist, ICAR-IIMR, Ludhiana delibrated on integrated nutrient management in kharif maize. He cautioned the farmers against excessive fertilizer use, highlighting its harmful effects on soil, crop productivity, and the environment.
Dr. Lovepreet Singh, Agriculture Development Officer, Sangrur shared information on Punjab Government schemes providing subsidies for Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), kharif maize, and gypsum application, urging farmers to avail benefits for sustainable farming. He also explained the scientific techniques for soil sampling.
The interface saw active participation from farmers of the region. The joint initiative aims to promote resource-efficient agriculture, lower cultivation costs, and protect soil and water resources in Punjab. The queries of farmers about use of urea before puddling, management of weeds, application of zinc sulphate. registration of DSR, etc. were well addressed.
