PAU-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Hoshiarpur organizes training programme on maize cultivation for staff of Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

PAU-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Hoshiarpur organizes training programme on maize cultivation for staff of Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Hoshiarpur/Daljeet Ajnoha/June 16

PAU-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bahowal, Hoshiarpur recently organized a training programme on maize cultivation for officers and field staff of Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare at Kheti Bhawan, Hoshiarpur. The programme aimed to strengthen the technical knowledge of field staff for promoting maize cultivation as a sustainable alternative to paddy under the crop diversification programme.

At the outset, Dr. Maninder Singh Bons, Associate Director (Training), KVK Hoshiarpur, welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of maize cultivation in the district for conserving groundwater and enhancing farm profitability. He also briefed the participants about mandate of Khet Bachao Abhiyan and various extension activities and training programmes being conducted jointly by KVK and Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in the district for the benefit of farmers.

Dr. Depinder Singh, Chief Agriculture Officer, Hoshiarpur, elaborated on the paddy to maize diversification project being implemented by the Punjab Government. He emphasized the significance of the project in reducing dependence on water intensive paddy cultivation and explained the provisions and benefits of the scheme. He stressed the importance of such trainings for effective dissemination of scientific recommendations among farmers.

Dr. Gurpratap Singh, Associate Professor (Agronomy), KVK Hoshiarpur, delivered a technical lecture on scientific maize cultivation. He discussed PAU recommended varieties/hybrids, sowing methods, integrated nutrient and weed management practices for achieving higher productivity.

Dr. Prabhjot Kaur, Assistant Professor (Plant Protection), KVK Hoshiarpur, elaborated the participants about major insect pests and diseases of maize. She laid special emphasis on the integrated management of Fall Armyworm insect and discussed recommended practices for minimizing crop losses.

In the end, Dr. Deepak Puri, District Training Officer, Hoshiarpur proposed the vote of thanks and appreciated the lectures of KVK experts.

The stage was well managed by Dr. Yashpal, Agriculture Officer, Hoshiarpur.