As many as 125 farmers from different parts of Punjab participated in the monthly training camp of PAU Kisan Club, organised at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today.

Dr Aseem Verma, an expert of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, while explaining the raising of mat type nursery and mechanical transplanting of paddy, said, “Mechanical transplanting is a dire need, especially, when there is labour scarcity during the peak season.” Farmers must acquire training in raising of mat type paddy nursery, he advised, saying that it requires more care as compared to conventional nursery.

Dr Jasvir Singh Gill, Agronomist, informed that ever since the development of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) in 2010, several modifications have been made to upgrade this technology. The improved version of DSR ‘Tar-wattar DSR’ leads to saving of irrigation water, lesser weed infestation, better root development and wider soil adaptability. Advocating the adoption of DSR technology on a large scale, he observed that it was beneficial for saving water, labour and environment.

Dr Manpreet Singh Khiva, Agronomist, provided control measures for weed control in DSR.

Referring to the use of biofertilizers in various crops, Dr Suman Kumari, Microbiologist, told that PAU has evolved eco-friendly, non-pollutant, cost-effective biofertilizers for 18 crops like paddy, wheat, maize, potato, onion, turmeric, moong, sugarcane, arhar, soybean, urdbean, gram, lentil, berseem, etc. for soil health enrichment as well as crop productivity and yield enhancement. These biofertilizers can be purchased from the Department of Microbiology, PAU, she informed.

Mr Yuvraj Singh, Department of Horticulture, Punjab, shared the benefits of agriculture infrastructure fund scheme.

Earlier, Sardar Manpreet Grewal, President of the club, welcomed the experts and the farmers, whereas later, Sardar Satvir Singh, Secretary of the club, proposed a vote thanks. The programme was held under the guidance of Dr TS Riar, Additional Director Communication and Programme Director. Sardar Varinder Singh coordinated the programme.