Bathinda, September 15:
The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Bathinda, of Punjab Agricultural University organised an awareness camp on the proper management of crop residue, particularly paddy straw, at Village Yatri in Maur Block. The camp was held under the guidance of Deputy Director (Training) Dr. Gurdeep Singh Sidhu.
On the occasion, Dr. Tejbir Singh Buttar, Assistant Professor (Soil Science), provided farmers with detailed information about the importance of paddy straw for soil health. He explained that instead of burning straw, its proper management within the field helps improve the level of organic matter and nutrients in the soil and contributes to maintaining soil health in the long term.
Dr. Ramandeep Kaur, Assistant Professor (PFE), briefed farmers about various techniques for the mechanical management of paddy straw. She explained in detail the use and benefits of the Super SMS, Surface Seeder and other agricultural machinery for effective straw management after combine harvesting. Farmers were encouraged to refrain from burning crop residue and to manage it within the field with the help of modern agricultural machinery.
On the occasion, ADO Ms. Simranjit Kaur from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare provided information about various schemes being implemented by the department and encouraged farmers to make maximum use of government schemes.
During the camp, farmers were also invited to participate in large numbers in the Kisan Mela being organised by Punjab Agricultural University on September 18–19, as well as the Kisan Mela to be held at the Regional Research Centre, Bathinda, on September 25.
On the occasion, farmers were also provided with various fruit and other plants, including guava and dragon fruit saplings.