PRO-ACTIVE APPROACH ALWAYS PROVES BENEFICIAL

Discussing about the impact of natural calamities on agriculture, an eminent Agronomist and Member of PAU Board of Management, Dr. Baldev Singh Boparai said that PAU has always come to help farmers in the event of crisis. He was referring to the contingent plan for farmers that the University had proposed in the wake of flood like situation developing in some areas of the state due to incessant rains in the recent past. Dr. Boparai said that due to urbanization and constructions in Mand areas, the water flow gets obstructed and in the event of influx of water in the water channels, the adjoining areas get inundated to the disadvantage of residents. He said that in cities, there is a tendency of having pucca floors and the kutcha areas available for percolation of rain water is less. The stagnating water damages the roads, he said. In villages, there are around 15,000 ponds in Punjab which if properly managed can help recharging of land with water. Dr. Boparai said that PAU has a need based focus on developing technologies aimed at efficient use of water and other resources. The tensiometer aided irrigation in paddy and the use of laser land leveler, which the University has recommended, are able to save irrigation water to the tune of 20-25%, said he.



Dr. Boparai said that the rainfall received in recent days had been variable, scanty at one place and heavy at another. There might be several factors for it. To understand weather better, more observatories should be installed at different places in the state, suggested he. He appreciated PAU for developing a docu-drama on prudent use of water and agro-chemicals and for bringing out a book on \"Eco-water Literacy Campaign\" for creating awareness among farmers and general public about water saving and environmental protection. He suggested that at homes and public places some land should be left uncovered with concrete, in order to allow rain water to return to soil. Further, the advice of PAU scientists should be followed about roof top rain water harvesting, said he. Generally, people and administration come into action only when the crisis has knocked the door. One must be pro-active in planning strategies and implementing measures to deal with the calamity, he mentioned.
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