Wednesday, February 27, 2013

RURAL YOUTH MUST PARTICIPATE IN FARM RELATED ACTIVITIES – DR DHILLON

LUDHIANA, FEBRUARY 27:



"The involvement and participation of rural youth in farm related activities such as protected cultivation and kitchen gardening is vital for producing high value crops, getting good economic returns, and for nutritional and livelihood security." This was stated by the Chief Guest, Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, while expressing his views during "Innovative Farmers Interface on Protected Cultivation," organised in the University campus today. The progressive farmers from various parts of the Punjab state and the PAU deans, directors, additional directors, heads and faculty of various departments participated in the interface.



Stating that the protected cultivation is a modern technique of growing vegetables, Dr Dhillon said that it is economically rewarding and promises higher quality yield. It is a good source of income generation for small and marginal farmers. The utilization of fertigation techniques in protected farming increases water use efficiency, he added, while highlighting that the cultivation of capsicum or bell pepper under protected conditions is quite popular in the Punjab state. The PAU will be taking an initiative of conducting research and experiments on protected cultivation of vegetables, especially, capsicum in colder regions, he divulged, while laying thrust on its breeding programmes. Dr Dhillon stressed on creating awareness amongst the farmers about judicious use of pesticides, maintenance of soil health and optimal use of water for agri-growth. Referring to the farmers as scientists who carry out experiments on their farms, he said that it is essential to gather knowledge about new innovations made by them.



Welcoming the dignitaries and the participating farmers, Dr M.S. Gill, Director of Extension Education, said that the protected cultivation in net-house and poly-house is a good source of income enhancement for the farmers, and can pave way for their economic upliftment. The PAU has recommended the cultivation of tomato, capsicum and brinjal under protected conditions, he told. Observing that protected cultivation prevents vegetable glut in the market, Dr Gill said that it generates good quality produce also. He called upon the farmers to keep passing on their feedback to the PAU experts for necessary reprioritization of research as well as transfer of technology programmes.



During the interface, the farmers from Amritsar, Bathinda, Faridkot, Ferozepur, Fategarh Sahib, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Moga, Mukatsar, Patiala, Ropar, Sangrur, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar applauded PAU training programmes through poetical verses. They shared their experiences pertaining to growing vegetables under net-house, marketing with WALMART, and making of cost-effective poly-houses. Besides, they also gave presentations on nursery production of high value crops, intercropping of vegetables for higher profitability, innovative marketing strategy, growing of off season and coloured capsicum, scope of flower nursery, and gerbera production technology. On this occasion, Dr. Dhillon honoured the innovative farmers with the mementos.
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

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