PAU-KVK, Sangrur Demonstrates Water-Efficient Spring Groundnut at Village Mehlan
Sunam, June 22
PAU-KVK, Sangrur Demonstrates Water-Efficient Spring Groundnut at Village Mehlan
The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sangrur of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, in collaboration with the Oilseed Section, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, PAU, Ludhiana, organized a Field Day to showcase the successful field demonstration of Spring Groundnut variety J 87. The event was held at the farm of progressive farmers Beant Singh and Kewal Singh in village Mehlan, Block Sunam.
Dr. Mandeep Singh, Incharge, PAU-KVK Sangrur, stated that the Field Day aimed to create awareness amongst farmers about the environmental and economic benefits of spring groundnut as a sustainable alternative to spring/summer maize. He emphasized that spring groundnut requires significantly less water and lesser inputs, substantially reducing cultivation costs. Being a leguminous crop, it also enhances soil fertility through natural nitrogen fixation.
The host farmers shared their experience, noting that after a successful one-acre trial in spring 2025, they expanded to four acres in spring 2026. They reported that groundnut cultivation costs are 40-50 percent lower than spring maize, making it economically attractive.
During the technical session, Dr. Gurpreet Singh, Extension Specialist (Oilseeds), PAU Ludhiana, discussed recommended varieties and improved production practices for spring groundnut. He shared that yield potential of J 87 variety during spring season is 15.8 quintal/acre while it gives an average yield of 12.8 quintal/acre during kharif season.
Dr. K.K. Sharma, Oilseed Pathologist, explained disease management in groundnut. Dr. Inderjit Singh Bhatti, Block Agriculture Officer, Sunam, stressed groundwater conservation and urged farmers to adopt less water-intensive crops like groundnut. He also outlined Punjab Government subsidy schemes for Direct Seeded Rice and kharif maize, and advised farmers to register for Kisan ID to access subsidized inputs and other benefits.
The event concluded with experts and farmers jointly inspecting the demonstration plot and discussing machinery availability and marketing channels needed to scale up groundnut cultivation. Dr. Sunil Kumar, Assistant Professor (FMPE), presented the vote of thanks
