Be Readily Available to Solve Farmers' Issues in Sweltering Summer: PAU VC to Scientists

While converging at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) to attend the monthly review meeting for research and extension work, the extension functionaries were urged to be readily available to cater to the urgent needs of the farmers in the sweltering summer.

“The sinking underground water level is proving to be a catastrophe for Punjab’s agriculture as well as the environment,” pointed out Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, while calling upon the field level scientists to put in their best efforts to bring maximum area under university developed less water consuming and early maturing ‘PR’ varieties. As the heatwave conditions are likely to persist, be sympathetic towards the farming community, he advised.

Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, advocated the transplanting of PR 131, PR 129, PR 128, PR 121, PR 122, PR 114, and PR 113 from June 20, whereas, PR 126, PR 127, PR 130, and HKR 147 from June 25 onwards. Since PR 126 vacates the field early and facilitates timely sowing of potato, peas, or berseem crops, the transplanting of PR 126 can be done up to July 20, he added.

Dr MS Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, in his welcome remarks, stressed upon promoting nursery sowing of short-duration varieties comprising Punjab Basmati 7, Punjab Basmati 5, Pusa Basmati 1121, Pusa Basmati 1847 and Pusa Basmati 1718 in the first fortnight of June, while that of CSR 30 and Pusa Basmati 1509 in the second fortnight of June. Giving a push to crop diversification, Dr Bhullar suggested maize sowing at the beginning of the month in sub-mountainous districts or areas prone to damage by water stagnation.

The talks during the review meeting centered around the popularization of short-duration rice varieties and direct-seeded rice, the status of areas under spring and summer maize as well as summer moong, whitefly, and pink bollworm management in cotton, and the campaign on fall armyworm management in maize. Besides, experts gathered feedback concerning farmers’ issues, challenges, and solutions.

Dr GPS Sodhi, Additional Director of Extension Education, proposed a vote of thanks. Scientists from Regional Research Stations, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Farm Advisory Service Centres, district extension specialists, heads of various departments, and faculty of PAU attended the meeting.