PAU-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Fatehgarh Sahib, under the guidance of the Directorate of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University, and ICAR-ATARI Zone 1, Ludhiana, organized a one-day awareness campaign at Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib. The event, aimed at curtailing the detrimental practice of paddy residue burning, saw enthusiastic participation from approximately 130 college students.

Dr Vipan Kumar Rampal, Associate Director (Training) at KVK, shed light on the institute's endeavours and emphasized the crucial role of college students in disseminating awareness regarding the adverse impacts of crop residue burning. He elucidated recommended technologies for paddy residue management, highlighting the utilization of farm machinery such as MB Plough, rotavator, mulcher, and baler.

Dr Reet Verma, Assistant Professor (Plant Protection), provided students with insights into beneficial insects and their pivotal role in ecological balance, particularly in regulating harmful insect populations.

To engage and empower the students, Dr Manisha Bhatia, Assistant Professor (Home Science), arranged a speech and declamation competition. Participants showcased their knowledge and commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. The winners were awarded for their commendable contributions.

Expressing gratitude towards the initiative, Dr Guranshpreet Singh Sethi, Assistant Professor (Animal Science), delivered a vote of thanks, underscoring the significance of collective efforts in fostering agricultural sustainability.

Professor Ramesh Arora, Director, IQAC, and Dr Jaspreet Kaur, Incharge, Department of Agriculture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, expressed their appreciation to the KVK faculty for spearheading the awareness campaign and lauded the concerted efforts to enlighten college students on the imperative need for responsible crop residue management.