PAU-Farm Advisory Service Centre, Sangrur organizes farmers’ training camp on balanced use of fertilizers at village Munshiwala
Sangrur, July 02
Under the guidance of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, the Farm Advisory Service Centre (FASC), Sangrur, organized a farmers’ training camp at village Munshiwala (Near Dirba), with the objective of augmenting soil health, reducing cultivation costs, ensuring the scientific management of poor-quality irrigation water, and encouraging the balanced use of chemical fertilizers, Around 30 farmers participated in the programme.
While presiding over the camp, Dr. Ashok Kumar Garg, Senior Extension Scientist (Soil Science), emphasized the importance of soil test-based fertilizer management, the use of biofertilizer inoculants in paddy and basmati nurseries, and avoiding the unnecessary application of phosphorus fertilizers in rice cultivation. He informed the farmers that balanced fertilizer use not only reduces the cost of cultivation but also improves crop productivity and soil health.
Dr. Garg also delivered a detailed lecture on the management of poor-quality irrigation water. He explained that continuous use of saline water can adversely affect soil health and productivity. Such water may be used after mixing with canal water wherever possible. Similarly, sodic water containing sodium carbonate or bicarbonate can be made suitable for irrigation through the application of gypsum. He stressed the importance of getting tube-well water tested from a soil and water testing laboratory to identify the nature and extent of water quality problems before its regular use in agriculture.
He urged farmers to avoid the unnecessary use of DAP fertilizer in paddy and basmati and to apply urea only as per PAU recommendations. He specifically advised farmers against the common practice of applying two to three bags of urea before puddling. Farmers were also advised to apply zinc only in the recommended quantities to correct zinc deficiency in paddy fields.
Highlighting the importance of bio-fertilizers, Dr. Garg informed the participants that Azospirillum inoculation in paddy nursery not only contributes to higher crop productivity but also plays a significant role in improving the biological health of the soil. He also provided detailed information regarding the recommended fertilizer schedule.
During the camp, Dr. Garg also discussed the identification and management of paddy dwarf disease in nurseries and encouraged farmers to regularly monitor their crops for early detection of disease symptoms.
The successful organization of the training camp was made possible with the valuable support of Sandeep Singh, Amarjit Singh (Former Sarpanch), Amritpal Singh (Sarpanch), Joga Singh, and Lakhwinder Singh. Agricultural literature was also made available for sale during the camp.
Farmers’ queries on various agricultural issues were addressed in a systematic and scientific manner, and practical recommendations were provided in accordance with the latest agricultural technologies and university guidelines.
