TRAINING ON PRECISION FARMING KICKS OFF AT PAU

LUDHIANA, JULY 18:----



A model training course on precision farming, organized by the PAU in collaboration with Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India commenced here today. To be continued till July 25, the course involves the participation of 40 trainees from the different State Development Departments of Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. The PAU subject-matter specialists will equip the participants with know-how of precision farming, with special emphasis on the hands-on experience.



In his key-not address, the PAU Director of Extension Education, Dr M.S. Gill highlighting the importance of precision farming, said that the adoption of this knowledge-based farming is the need of the hour for the agricultural sustainability. Defining the precision farming as the use of right input, at the right time and at the right place, Dr Gill said that it is an art and science of utility of advanced technologies for enhancing crop yield while minimizing environmental threats. "For enhancing the use of efficiency of farm inputs, increasing productivity, economics of crop production and reducing environmental pollution, one should apply farm inputs when needed, in required amount and in specific locations of the field. He also dwelt on the technologies generated by PAU that can fit well within the framework of precision agriculture. He welcomed the trainees from different states to PAU for participation in the course.



Speaking on the use of laser land leveler for improving resource use efficiency in agriculture, Dr Jaskaran Mahal, Head, PAU Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering (FMPE), divulged that 4200 laser levelers are operational in the state and about 20 manufacturers are involved in the manufacturing of the same. In view of the problem aggravated by unleveled field, the laser leveling technique levels the field precisely and saves irrigation water upto 25%. Dr Mahal added that the technology also helps in water conservation, reduction of weed emergence and yield improvement.



PAU Scientist of FMPE, Dr Gursahib Singh, gave practical demonstrations to the trainees for laser leveling including elevation measurement. The participants will be provided knowledge and practical experience on various aspects of precision farming such as elevation measurement, measurements in problematic soils for maximizing productivity, resource conservation technologies, use of mass media in transfer of technology, remote sensing and GIS for site specific measurements, enhancing water use efficiency, rationalizing nitrogen application with precision techniques, use of second generation machinery, postharvest technology for improving food quality, conservation agriculture, high-tech horticulture, importance of rural area networking, biotechnological tools and pest management techniques relevant to precision agriculture. The programme will conclude on July 25.
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