PAU Concludes Kharif Workshop Emphasizes Crop Residue Management and Diversification

Ludhiana, February 23… (Amrik saggu)

The two-day Research and Extension Specialists Workshop for Kharif Crops,  organized by the Directorate of Extension Education at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU, Ludhiana), concluded today. The event, which took place from February 22 to February 23, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including officers from the State Department of Agriculture, scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Farm Advisory Service Centres, as well as deans, directors, and faculty from PAU.

Throughout four enlightening sessions spread over two days, the workshop covered a wide range of topics, including package of practices for various kharif crops, the application of artificial intelligence in paddy cultivation, bacteriological testing kits, biofertilizers, pest and disease management, nutrition management, and agroforestry. The workshop also provided a platform for discussions on the recommendations of Kharif crop varieties, offering valuable insights into the latest advancements in agricultural research and technology.

The second day of the workshop was marked by a visit to the experiment areas of the university, where the Director of Research, Dr AS Dhatt, emphasized the importance of adopting an agribusiness module, highlighting the development of high-protein soy powder and extruded millet-based snacks as examples of innovative food processing techniques. He also discussed remote-based Paddy Transplanter and UAV-based drones for spraying, underscoring the significance of mechanization in modern agriculture.

Lauding the successful completion of the workshop, Dr MS Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, reiterated the importance of crop diversification and residue management in addressing the agricultural sector’s challenges. He urged the farming community to shift from job seekers to entrepreneurs by embracing agribusiness and processing as a means of job creation.

Wrapping up the proceedings, Dr Gursahib Singh Manes, ADR of FM&PE, shed light on the new honey and milk testing kits, which economically enable the detection of adulteration. Agronomist Dr Amit Kaul concluded the workshop with a vote of thanks, urging scientists and extension workers to work in unison to combat the agriculture-related challenges arising due to the rapidly changing ecosystem.With Warm Regards,