Monday, October 11, 2010

CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES, FOLLOW PROTECTIVE CLOTHINGS FOR SAFE HANDLING OF PESTICIDES: DR KANG

The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in collaboration with Syngenta India Ltd. celebrated Safe Handling of Pesticides Day at village Talwandi, near Ludhiana. The aim was to create awareness among farmers about safe handling of pesticides and conserving natural resources. More than 150 progressive growers attended this programme. The PAU Vice Chancellor, Dr Manjit Singh Kang was the Chief Guest on the occasion. In his remarks, Dr Kang advised the spray men and crop growers to use of protective clothing such as hand gloves to protect against the toxic pesticide chemicals. He said that use of pesticides has become an integral part of crop production programmes. India is a huge market for pesticides which are applied to protect crops; he said adding that due to lack of awareness most of the growers do not use any protective clothing. Even granule form of insecticides is being applied without gloves. Speaking on the need for conserving natural resources, Dr Kang said that instruments such as tensiometer and laser land leveler save 20-25% irrigation water, integrated pest management (IPM) strategies save 40 % pesticides besides reducing environment pollution, and added that machines like Happy seeder help to sow wheat in paddy –harvested-field retaining the paddy residue. He advised farmers not to burn paddy straw as it leads to loss of nutrients, soil microbes besides leading to environmental pollution.



Technical experts from PAU, State development departments and dealers and distributors were part of these training programmes. Dr Yadvinder Singh, Head, Department of Horticulture said that the university has developed several cost-effective and eco-friendly packages for different crops. He emphasized on the integrated use of nutrients in crops. Dr S.S. Kukal explained about the working of tensio-meter. Important precautions to be exercised while storing and transporting the chemicals were also discussed. The PAU Kisan Club President, Mr Pavitterpal Singh Pangli was also present on the occasion. Mr R. K. Jain, Vice-President Syngenta highlighted various activities and programmes of Syngenta India Limited. Mr Pankaj Chugh, Regional Manager of Syngenta India was also present. They highlighted that to create awareness among farmers, a total 15 villages in Punjab where pesticide use is maximum, were adopted. Farmers have been provided special trainings on the safe use of pesticides and importance of plant protection equipments (PPEs) to minimize operator exposure while mixing, handling and carrying out spray operations. More than 750 farmers attended these training programmes.



To popularize the safe use of pesticides free safety kits were distributed to spray operators. Mr M.S. Malhi, proposed vote of thanks to the Chief Guest and other participants.
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

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