11 December 2020, Punjab, IN: A farmers’ awareness programme was organized by the Regional Research Station, Ballowal Saunkhri in the village Pachranda, Ropar under the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa Scheme of India Meteorological Department.
Dr Manmohanjit Singh, Director, Regional Research Station, Ballowal Saunkhri and Nodal officer of Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa Scheme, gave an overview of the research, extension and teaching work going on at the research station. He emphasized to plan the agriculture practices keeping in view the weather prediction services provided under the scheme. He also encouraged the farmers to adopt crop diversification for more benefits and meet their daily food needs.
Dr Navneet Kaur, Scientist, Agro meteorology, welcomed the farmers and explained the benefit of weather forecasting for agriculture. She also gave information about decreasing annual rainfall and rising temperature in Kandi region of Punjab, resulting in emerging issues in agriculture. She made the farmers aware of the work done under Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa scheme and encouraged them to register their mobile number for getting maximum benefits from weather forecasting and weather based agro advisory bulletins.
During technical session, Dr Parminder Singh Sandhu, Agronomist, gave tips about varieties and weed control in rabi crops. He also explained the fertilizer application, nutrient deficiencies in these crops and encouraged farmers to go for soil testing and use leaf color chart before sowing and application of fertilizers.
Dr Mandeep Pathania, Entomologist, dwelt upon the pest control in rabi crops.
Dr Swapnil Pandey, Fruit Scientist, explained the effect of weather on fruit crops and gave tips for saving fruit plants from frost. She also told about the role of kitchen gardening in earning more and for healthy life.
Later, Dr Navneet Kaur proposed a vote of thanks. Farm literature and improved vegetable seed were distributed to farmers on this occasion.
