Do not burn wheat stubble: PAU VC Appeals to farmers

Sat, May 6, 2017 at 5:16 PM

It spoils the carbon cycle of nature

Ludhiana: 6th May 2017: (Punjab Screen Team):
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After wheat harvesting, a serious note of stubble burning is being taken by the Higher Courts and the environmental organizations.  While interacting with the media today, the Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon appealed to the farmers of Punjab to avoid burning wheat stubble as it spoils the carbon cycle of nature, pollutes the environment and deteriorates the soil health. In addition, it destroys the nutritional traits and the friendly insects, resulting in attack of more insect pests on crops and increasing the farm expenses for their management. Hailing from an agricultural family, Dr Dhillon said he was well aware of the hard work and expenditure required for straw management. A few decades back, wheat was harvested in the sunshine and its grains were extracted after drying for several days. Dr. Dhillon said the industrious farmers of Punjab can plough the wheat residue in the soil instead of burning it. By irrigating it, it will be beneficial for the next crop, he added. Regarding expenses, he said the yields of paddy and wheat have been better this year and also paved way for financial benefits. The farmers could spend some amount out of it for managing the wheat stubble, he suggested.
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           Dr. Dhillon expressed his confidence that the farmers of Punjab have always adopted the recommendations of Punjab Agricultural University and would further listen to his advice of not indulging in stubble burning.  He stressed that conserving natural resources was the prime need for the benefit of health, environment, and future generations.
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           Present on the occasion were Dr. R.S. Sidhu, Director of Extension Education; Dr. J.S. Mahal, Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology;  and Dr. Jagdish Kaur, Additional Director Communication, PAU.

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Global Warming, A Serious concern: Dr. Khush

Father of Rice Revolution Addresses media at PAU

Ludhiana: Monday: 30th January 2017: (Punjab Screen Bureau):

The Father of Rice Revolution and an alumnus of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Dr Gurdev Singh Khush voiced concern over global warming and changing weather pattern while addressing the media at PAU today. He stressed on combating the climate change issues, reducing area under rice, cultivating crops requiring less water and promoting crop diversification technology in Punjab. Replying to the query of zinc and iron in rice, he suggested the application of biotechnological tools in this direction.

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Dr Khush, who has come from USA, is on a visit to PAU to attend the annual function of ‘Dr Gurdev Singh Khush Foundation for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences’ in the University on January 31. During the press conference, Dr G.S. Kalkat, Chairman, Punjab State Farmers’ Commission; Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice Chancellor, PAU; and Dr B.S. Sidhu, Agricultural Commissioner, Punjab were also present.  For more pics please click here

Dr D.S. Brar, Secretary of the Foundation, while giving a brief introduction of Dr Khush, said, “Dr Khush is a main architect of Green Revolution in rice.  Nearly 35 rice varieties developed by him are being cultivated across the world.” Dr Brar further said, “Dr Khush is a well-known rice breeder and a brilliant scientist, who has trained numerous scientists from diverse countries. A recipient of Japan Prize (1987) and World Food Prize (1996), he has been honoured with doctorate degree by several national and international varsities.”

Highlighting the activities of Khush Foundation, Dr Brar said that it was established in 2010 with generous donation of Rs 3.5. crore from Dr Khush with a mandate to promote agricultural research and development programmes of PAU. The Foundation has four major objectives including award of scholarships to undergraduate students of PAU and GADVASU, award of travel grants to postgraduate students and young faculty of PAU, team award for excellence in transfer of technology to farmers and holding of a guest lecture by a renowned agricultural scientist. Till date, many students, teachers, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Farm Advisory Service Centres in Punjab have been awarded by Khush Foundation, he told. Dr Brar disclosed, “The Foundation is all set to start financial support for needy students also who are deserving candidates.

Dr Kalkat said, “To address environmental issues, people need to take initiatives at their level.” For more pics please click here 

           Dr Dhillon, PAU VC, said the three PAU developed rice varieties PR 121, PR 124 and PR 126 have been well-accepted by the farmers of the state. “Last year, about 50 per cent of rice area of the state was under PR 121 variety, which showed excellent results at farmers’ fields,” he told. The University is focusing on conservation of natural resources, he said, while adding that the untiring efforts of scientists have also resulted in the reduced pesticide consumption in the state.  For more pics please click here

           Later, Dr Jagdish Kaur, Additional Director Communication, proposed the vote of thanks.  For more pics please click here

Let us strive for a better work culture: VC Dr. Dhillon

PAU Celebrated Republic Day

Ludhiana: 26th January 2017: (Karthika Singh//Punjab Screen):

In spite of rainy weather the 68th Republic Day of the country was  at Punjab Agricultural University, today with great enthusiasm. The Vice Chancellor, Dr.Baldev Singh Dhillon unfurled the tricolor and took salute from the NCC cadets. The function saw the presence of Deans, Directors, faculty, staff and students.

In his address to the audience, Dr Dhillon paid tributes to the freedom fighters while highlighting the pivotal role played by Punjabis to attain independence. The day holds greater significance as on this day in 1929, a pledge for “Poorna Swaraj” was taken in Lahore”, he said.

While congratulating the faculty and students for their efforts in bringing glory to PAU, the Vice Chancellor gave credit to the Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering for their contribution towards controlling the white fly attack. He also mentioned the highly successful PAU paddy variety, PR121 that produced a record yield last year in comparison to the PUSA 44 variety. “We are looking forward to the introduction of the Super Straw Management (SMS) system to prevent burning of paddy stubble by farmers”, revealed Dr Dhillon and further briefed about PAU’s achievements in the field of Horticulture, Biofertilizer production, and pesticide and fertilizer reduction. The Vice Chancellor while applauding the winners of various national awards, said that it was great honour for PAU as 3 students from the university were selected for the Prime Minister’s Fellowship, 2 PhD students won the Jawahar Lal Nehru Award and 8 Borlaug fellowships were awarded to PAU.

Dr Dhillon urged the audience to strive towards an efficient work culture and focus on the areas of agro processing and marketing so as to effectively bridge gap between demand and supply. “Discipline and hard work are the keys to develop a healthy society and thus to progress,” he remarked.

Earlier, Dr.Ravinder Kaur Dhaliwal, Director Students Welfare welcomed the Chief Guest, and motivated the students to pay attention to character building and help in eradicating social evils. Sweets were distributed to mark the celebration.

Agroadvisory Bulletin-27-Sep-2016 from PAU

Tue, Sep 27, 2016 at 4:33 PM

Light to moderate rain/thundershowers likely

Light to moderate rain/thundershowers likely at isolated places during next 24 hrs and weather is likely to be dry thereafter. During this period, maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to remain between 34-35oC and 23-25oC, respectively. The maximum relative humidity is expected to remain between 64-74% and minimum between 33-48% during these days.

                   It is optimum time to plant autumn season sugarcane (20th September to 20th October). Fodder crops barseem, shaftel should be sown from last week of September to first week of October. 

                  Plant hoppers during these days pose a serious threat in paddy. The crop dries up in patches. The plant hoppers can be controlled by spraying Confidor/Crocodile 17.8 SL @ 40 ml or Ekalux/Quinalmass 25 EC @ 800 ml or Coroban/Dursban 20 EC @ 1 litre in 100 litres of water per acre. For better results, direct the spray towards the base of the plants.

                  If Sheath blight also starts appearing on different rice varieties, spray the crop with Amistar Top 325 SC or Tilt/ Bumper 25 EC (propiconazole) or Folicur/ Orius 25 EC (tebuconazole) or Moncern 250 EC (pencycuron) @ 200 ml or Nativo 75 WG @ 80 g or Lusture 37.5 SE (flusilazole + carbendazim) @ 320 ml or Bavistan 50 WP (carbendazim) @ 200 gm in 200 litres of water per acre. Apply first spray at boot stage of crop and second after 15 days. Prevailing weather and age of the rice crop is favourable for the development of false smut of rice. To check the disease give first spray of Kocide 46 DF @ 500 g/acre at booting stage of the crop and second spray of Tilt 25 EC @ 200 ml in 200 litres of water after 10 days.

                  In basmati, stem borer is a serious problem. When more than 2% dead hearts or white ears appear, spray Fame 480 SC @ 20 ml or Mortar 75 SG @ 170 g or Coragen 20 SC @ 60 ml or Monocil 36 SL @ 560 ml or Coroban/Dursban/Lethal/Chlorguard/Durmet/Classic/Force 20 EC one litre or Fipronil 80 % WG @ 15 g in 100 litres of water per acre. In adition to these, granular insecticides i.e. Ferterra 0.4 GR @ 4 kg/acre or Padan/Caldan/Kritap/Sanvex/Nidan/Marktap/Miftap 4 G @ 10 kg/acre or Regent/Mortel/Mifpro/Mahaveer GR 0.3 G @ 6 kg/acre in standing water can also be applied.

                  To control weeds in pea, spray Stomp 30 EC @ 1 litre/acre or Afalon @500 g/acre as preemergence application using 150-200 litres of water. Avoid early sowing to check wilt/root rot diseases. Pea wilt can be controlled by treating seeds with Bavistin @ 1g or Captan @ 2 g/kg seed. Apply 3 kg Thimet 10 G or 10 kg Furadan 3 G per acre in furrows at sowing for reducing the infestation of stem fly.

                  It is the ideal time for planting of evergreen fruit plants. During this month, for management of fruit drop in kinnow, spray the crop with Ziram 27 SC @ 1250 ml or Propiconazole 25 EC @ 500 ml or Bavistin 50 WP @ 500 gm in 500 litres of water per acre. The weed infestation is major problem during rainy season. To control weeds apply post emergence application of Glycel 41 SL or Gramaxone 24 WSC @ 1.6 liters per acre in 200 liters of water during this season. Avoid drift of weedicide on fruit plant parts.

Women Received Overhelming Response at Kisan Mela

Mon, Sep 26, 2016 at 4:40 PM

PAU provided great plateform to women entrepreneurs

Ludhiana: 26 September 2016:(Punjab Screen Bureau):

More than 60 stalls were put up by the women entrepreneurs on the grounds of the College of Home Science, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) during the Kisan Mela on September 22 and 23. Products sold ranged from bakery products, pinnis, chocolates, spices, pickles, juices to handicrafts. These stalls were put up under the Convenership of Dr G.K. Sangha, Dean, Colleges of Home Science, and Basic Sciences and Humanities.  The endeavour aimed at providing a platform to women entrepreneurs to understand market demands and enhance their confidence through direct marketing. It also provided an opportunity for networking among different entrepreneurs. The food stalls, especially,saag and makki di roti and dal roti were hit among the visiting farmers and rural women.  Packed pulses, especially, moong got an overwhelming response and were completely sold out. Students working in the experiential learning programme in the Departments of Foods and Nutrition, and Apparel and Textiles also got an encouraging response and exposure to hone their marketing skills. The faculty of the Department of Extension Education and Communication Management guided entrepreneurs in client dealings and creating market network using social networking applications.

PAU’S KVK (Samrala) holds a special Kisan mela

Mon, Sep 26, 2016 at 4:37 PM

Birth centenary celebrations of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay

Ludhiana: 26 September 2016:(Punjab Screen Bureau):

To mark the birth centenary celebrations of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay, a Kisan Mela was organized at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Samrala) of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) under the aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Zone-I. Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU was the chief guest on the occasion. Farmers and farm women from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir participated in the mela in big number.

           Addressing the massive gathering of farmers, Dr Dhillon urged them to sow PAU recommended crop varieties during rabi 2016-17, adopt auxiliary occupations, go for soil and water testing, do not burn paddy straw and instead bury it in the soil for better soil health.

           Dr Randhir Singh, Additional Director General (Extension Education), ICAR apprised the farmers of various schemes, being offered by the Central Government. He also advised them to get Soil Health Cards issued after getting their soil tested. He urged them to go in for joint as well as online marketing.

Dr Rajbir Singh, Director, ATARI, urged the farmers, farm women and rural youths to obtain technical guidance from KVK scientists before cultivating crops. He also asked them to use PAU Happy Seeder for straw management in addition to using straw for compost making, mushroom cultivation and setting-up biogas plant.  

           Dr R.K. Gupta, Director, Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET), called upon the farmers to participate in processing trainings and set-up agro-processing units for better economic returns.

           Dr R.S. Sidhu, Director of Extension Education, PAU advised the farmers to use PAU Happy Seeder for the management of paddy straw. He also called upon the KVK experts to conduct field demonstrations on the use of Happy Seeder at farmers’ fields.

Dr S.C. Sharma, Associate Director (Training), KVK, Samrala shed light on the life and achievements of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay. “He was born on September 25, 1916 in Uttar Pradesh and was a great economist, sociologist, historian, philosopher and politician. He played a significant role in economic upliftment of rural masses,” said Dr Sharma.

A farm expert, Dr Arvind proposed the vote of thanks. Dr G.S. Buttar, Additional Director of Extension Education, PAU also graced the occasion.

On the occasion, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Krishi Puruskar 2016 was bestowed upon Smt. Pooja Sharma, Gurugram (Haryana) and S. Jinder Singh, Rupnagar (Punjab). Farmers and farm women from adjoining states shared their experiences and were advised to remain in touch with KVK experts. The mela also witnessed a heavy rush for the purchase of quality seeds. During the question-answer session, farmers’ queries were addressed by the experts, Besides, various self-help groups had put up their stalls.

PAU Regional Kisan Melas Kick Start with Ballowal Saunkhri

Kisan Melas Best way to reachout to farmers-Dr. Dhillon

Ludhiana: 9th September 2016: (Punjab Screen Bureau):

The first Kisan Mela of the Rabi season kick start with at Regional Research Station, Ballowal Saunkhri, District Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar. The Mela was inaugurated by Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Member Board of Management while Dr. Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana presided over the function. S. Parmajit Singh, Addiional Deputy Commissioner, Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar and Dr. Jaswant Singh, Chief Agril. Officer were also present on the occasion.

While addressing a huge gathering of farmers and farm women,  the Vice-Chancellor Dr. Baldev Singh Dhillon, Punjab Agricultural University advised them to minimize the use of pesticides while going in for the ones recommended by the University. He also said that use of fertilizers should be done only after getting the soil tested.  Dr Dhillon also motivated the farmers to use the laser land leveler and drip irrigation technique to save water. He also recommended the use of the happy seeder, while cautioning the farmers against burning of the paddy straw.  While highlighting the achievements of PAU, Dr Dhillon thanked the farmers for their support and cooperation in controlling the further depletion of the water table as well as going in for judicious use of pesticides. He urged them to adopt bio fertilizers that help increase micronutrients in the soil. While motivating the farm women to help in subsidiary agricultural practices like mushroom cultivation, bee keeping etc, Dr Dhillon also suggested the need for popularizing lemon grass cultivation and setting up of agro processing units in the Kandi region.

In his address to the audience, Chief Guest, Dr SS Gosal, encouraged the farmers to adopt vegetable cultivation, considering the clean and pollution free environment of the region. While making a point towards maximizing profits by building strong farmer trader linkages, Dr Gosal asked the farmers to go in for organic farming. He also motivated the farmers to curb unnecessary expenditure by adopting the practice of custom hiring of agricultural equipment rather than purchasing the same. “The need of the hour is to inspire the youth to take up agriculture as a profession”, said Dr Gosal.

Dr R.K. Gumber, Director Research , in his address to the farmers recommended the cultivation of oilseeds and pulses for maximum profits. He highlighted various research activities of the university and informed that the new varieties were being developed keeping the environment and the depleting water table in mind.

Earlier, Dr R.S. Sidhu, Director Extension, welcomed the Chief Guest and other important dignitaries. He advised the farmers to strictly follow PAU recommendations and  counseled them to consult the scientists and researchers in case of problems. Also present on the occasion were special Guest of the day, S. Paramjit Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner,Hoshiarpur, officers, scientists and faculty from Punjab Agricultural University and the department of agriculture.

The technical session was coordinated by Dr T.S. Riar, Professor, Department of Extension Education, and experts from the departments of farm power machinery, plant breeding, soil science, vegetable science, entomology, forestry and plant pathology dwelled on various farmer related topics.