Sangrur, June 8 ,Fact Recorder
Punjab Desk: To promote the judicious and balanced use of chemical fertilizers and create awareness about bio-fertilizers, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, through its Farm Advisory Service Centre (FASC), Sangrur, organized a village-level farmers’ training camp at Village Balian (Kattu). The programme focused on Azospirillum inoculation of paddy and basmati seedlings, soil test-based nutrient management, and the recommendation to skip phosphorus fertilizer application in paddy. Around 70 farmers participated in the camp.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ashok Kumar Garg, Senior Extension Scientist (Soil Science), urged farmers to apply fertilizers strictly according to soil test recommendations. He emphasized that balanced fertilizer use not only reduces the cost of cultivation but also enhances crop productivity and improves soil health. Dr. Garg demonstrated the correct method of soil sampling and provided practical guidance on collecting representative soil samples for testing.
Dr. Garg advised farmers to avoid the unnecessary use of DAP fertilizer in paddy and basmati cultivation and to apply urea judiciously. He particularly cautioned against the common practice of applying two to three bags of urea before puddling, noting that it leads to significant nitrogen losses and unnecessary expenditure. He also recommended the application of zinc only in the prescribed quantities to correct zinc deficiency in paddy fields.
Highlighting the importance of bio-fertilizers, Dr. Garg explained that Azospirillum inoculation of paddy seedlings can enhance crop growth and yield while improving the biological health of the soil. He also shared detailed information on recommended fertilizer practices for paddy nursery raising and other important crop management recommendations.
Dr. Samandeep Singh, Agriculture Development Officer, Dhuri, informed participants about various schemes being implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. He encouraged farmers to adopt maize cultivation and Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), and to avail themselves of the subsidy available on gypsum. He also shared recommendations for the management of dwarfing symptoms in paddy nurseries.
The successful organization of the training camp was made possible with the valuable support of S. Pargat Singh, S. Kuldeep Singh (Sarpanch), S. Jagdish Singh (President, Cooperative Society), S. Lakhvir Singh, S. Sukhdarshan Singh (Retired Veterinary Inspector), and other progressive farmers of the village.
At the conclusion of the camp, Azospirillum bio-fertilizer inoculants were distributed among farmers for demonstration purposes. Agricultural literature was also made available for sale on the occasion.
During the camp, farmers’ queries on various agricultural issues were addressed scientifically and systematically by the experts. Participants showed keen interest in soil testing and adopting soil test-based fertilizer management practices to improve crop productivity and maintain soil health.
Subsequently, Dr. Ashok Kumar Garg and Dr. Samandeep Singh visited the turmeric field of S. Pargat Singh, where straw mulch had been applied for moisture conservation and improved crop management. They also inspected the Jantar crop grown by S. Jagdish Singh for green manuring and discussed its role in enhancing soil fertility and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.Suggested Alternate Headlines:
