PAU extension scientists mull diverse facets of agriculture at interactive training programme
24 April 2023, Punjab: A one-day programme on “Capacity Building for Extension Scientists” was organized by the Directorate of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in which detailed deliberations took place in the field of plant pathology, agronomy, soil science, entomology, fruit science, vegetable science, animal science, agricultural engineering, community science, extension education and agricultural economics. The Associate/Deputy Directors (Training) of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK)/Farm Advisory Service Centres (FASC), Assistant and Associate Professors, and District Extension Scientists attended the programme.
In his inaugural address, the chief guest Dr GS Buttar, Director of Extension Education, observed: “For an extension scientist, knowledge of all disciplines is essential in order to answer the queries of a farmer visiting a Krishi Vigyan Kendra or Farm Advisory Service Centre located in the district.”
Dr KB Singh, Director, Regional Research Station, Ballowal Saunkhri highlighted the methods of soil sampling at the farmers’ fields and their interpretation. He advised the KVK/FASC scientists to take the soil sample up to 1 m depth in the area where soils were saline/alkaline.
Dr TS Dhillon, Head, Department of Vegetable Science, dwelt upon roof top kitchen gardening and nutritional security. He informed that vegetables grown in the kitchen garden were fresh and healthy because they were chemical free.
Dr Mahesh Narang, Head, Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, explained different types of paddy transplanters and told that remote controlled paddy transplanter was also available with the department and that demonstrations could be given to the nearby farmers of Ludhiana.
Dr Kiran Grover, Head, Department of Food and Nutrition, apprised the participants of various technologies which could prove to be of immense benefit to the self-help groups members or on community basis.
Dr Amarjit Singh, Principal Plant Pathologist, explained major disease infestations at farmers’ field related to rice, cotton and maize; and emphasized the importance of seed treatment in all the crops.
Dr Simerjeet Kaur, Principal Agronomist, while talking about the conductance of agronomic trials at the farmers’ fields, stressed upon the right selection of a farmer as well as the site for the conductance of an adaptive research trial.
Dr Manoj Sharma, Principal Extension Scientist, deliberated on the type of data required to be maintained at the demonstration units, especially by the Assistant Professors (Animal Science).
Dr Yuvraj Singh Pandha, Associate Professor, discussed various integrated pest management techniques and underlined the need for avoiding the use of chemicals and pesticides to the maximum possible keeping in view the human health.
Dr Gurteg Singh, Associate Professor, shed light on the importance of training and pruning in horticultural crops and told that it was must for every fruit plant.
Dr Gurdeep Singh, Deputy Director (Training) KVK, Bathinda presented the pre-requisites required for conducting on-farm trials, adaptive research trials and field level demonstrations.
Dr Harsimranjeet Kaur Mavi, an expert of agricultural economics, delved upon survey techniques and compilation of data.
Later, feedback was also obtained through google form. All the participants appreciated the programme and demanded that such programme be organized after every 2-3 months to bring improvement in the working.
This programme was coordinated by Dr Manoj Sharma and Dr Simerjeet Kaur from the Directorate of Extension Education.
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