Mahal Kalan, 13 June 2025 : The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Mahal Kalan, organized a village-level farmer awareness camp on Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) in the village of Mahal Kalan.
During the camp, Dr. Harmandeep Singh, Agriculture Officer of Mahal Kalan, motivated farmers to avoid burning paddy stubble and to make proper use of machinery. He appealed to the farmers to follow the recommendations of agricultural experts. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to protect air, soil, and water from pollution so that future generations can be provided with clean natural resources.
Dr. Amandeep Kaur, Assistant Professor at the Farm Advisory Service Center, Barnala, explained the method of direct seeding of rice. She stated that farmers should consider certain points for DSR, such as moist soil conditions, medium to heavy soil types, sowing during early morning or evening hours. By adopting this method, 15 to 20 percent of water can be saved. She advised that proper identification of weeds should be done before using recommended herbicides and suggested spraying one liter of pendimethalin mixed with 200 liters of water immediately after sowing to prevent weed growth.
She further informed farmers that to control major weeds like Swanak and Swanki, 100 ml of Nominee Gold should be used; for grassy weeds, 400 ml of Ricestar; and for broadleaf weeds, 8 grams of Almix, all to be mixed in 150 liters of water and sprayed accordingly.
On this occasion, Mr. Sanvinderpal Singh, Block Technical Manager, informed the farmers about the cultivation of maize during the rainy season and the various schemes running under the ATMA project.
Mr. Harpal Singh, A.S.I., stated that a portal has been launched for Direct Seeding of Rice, where farmers can register their details and support the Agriculture Department’s efforts to conserve underground water.
The team of agriculture experts present included Mr. Kulveer Singh (ATM), Mr. Guntaar Singh (Sevadar), and Jasvir Singh from the RGR cell. Farmers Gurdip Singh, Darshan Singh, Malkit Singh, Sandeep Singh, Harman Singh, Arshdeep Singh, and others were also present at the event.
Summary:
Punjab’s Agriculture Department organized a district-level farmer training camp in Mahal Kalan, covering soil testing, fertilizer use, machinery handling, and sustainable practices.