The Punjab governor V.P.Singh Badnore today called upon the farming community to shun burning of paddy straw in order to save the environment and enhance the land fertility.Addressing the farmers after inaugurating the Kisan Mela at KVK Rauni Patiala, the Governor said that the farmers should adopt alternative measures and make aptimum use of the subsidised machinery offered by the state government to tackle the stubble burning issues in the state. He also said that stubble burning has been proved not only a major health hazard but has reduced the soil fertility in the areas under cultivation.Dr Rajbir Singh Brar, Director, Agricultural Technology Application and Research Institute (ATARI), was the guest of honour while Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon presided over the mela. Heavy rush of farmers was seen at the mela, where 145 stalls were put up by different departments of PAU, agricultural machinery manufacturers, self-help groups etc.Appreciating the Punjab farmers in taking up straw management technologies and implementating innovative techniques in farming, the Governor said “Punjab farmers have earned great recognition in the national and international arena.
Farmers of Rajasthan also learn from farmers of Punjab, who are number one in the adoption of innovative technologies and credit for Green Revolution also goes to them.” He said Green Revolution was a history nowand asked the farmers to move ahead towwwards achieving newer goals.
He also complimented the coordinated approach of the PAU scientists and farmers for strong linkages and accessibility. University learns from farmers and farmers learn from PAU. The Governor expressed concern over soil degradation and called upon the farmers to maintain soil health. He stressed on forming farmer-producer organisations (FPOs) to reap benefit in terms of marketing.Dr Brar urged the farmers to enhance their income through the adoption of subsidiary occupations. He also underlined the need for conserving natural resources and making safe use of farm machinery. “These melas provide an opportunity to the farmers to see live demonstrations and interact with the scientists,” he added.Dr Dhillon exhorted the farmers to adopt straw management technologies such as Happy Seeder and PAU Super Straw Management System, and use the straw for bioenergy, cattle feed, cardboard making, etc.
Happy Seeder also contributes to weed management, he added. Dr Dhillon also impressed upon the farmers to opt for subsidiary occupations, use farm inputs as per need, focus on profit instead of income and yield, and form self-help groups for joint marketing and mechanization. Informing about vegetable and oilseed kits being sold at the mela, he called upon the farmers to grow these crops for fresh, pure and nutritional diet. Dr Dhillon said the PAU has developed linkages with 5 lakh farmers across Punjab and other states through its digital weekly newspaper ‘Kheti Sandesh.’Earlier, Dr Navtej Singh Bains, Director of Research, PAU, welcomed the dignitaries, PAU scientists, and farmers and farm women.Dr J.S. Mahal, Director of Extension Education, while proposing the vote of thanks, called upon the farmers to remain in touch with PAU experts for technical guidance. He expressed his gratitude to the Governor, whose gracious presence made the mela a great success.During the mela, farmers made a queue to purchase improved and quality seed, and farm publications published by PAU. A folk singer enthralled the gathering of farmers with his Punjabi song, exhorting the farmers not to indulge in stubble burning.