Punjab Agricultural Management & Extension Training Institute organized a one-day training programme on “Moving towards Sustainable Agriculture through DSR and Crop Diversification”. This programme was sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Punjab under FAO project titled “Promotion of Sustainable Food Systems in India through transforming Rice-Wheat systems in Punjab”. In all, 15 team members working in this project, attended this programme.
Welcoming the participants, Ms. Bharti Madan, Deputy Director (IT) clearly stated the objective of the programme. She said that Punjab’s agricultural sector is at a critical juncture where efficient resource management and diversification have become imperative. The programme aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge of sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices. by promoting the adoption of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR).
Dr Jasvir Singh Gill, Department of Agronomy, PAU explained the principles, benefits, challenges and best management practices for Direct Seeded Rice technology. The trainees witnessed the crop in the demonstration area of DSR in PAU campus during their exposure visit. He also discussed conservation agriculture technologies, paddy residue management, and the Triple Zero wheat sowing technique. Participants were also apprised of the objectives, key interventions, and incentives available under the Sustainable Farming Scheme to encourage the adoption of environmentally sustainable agricultural practices.
Dr Hari Ram, Head, Department of Agronomy, discussed alternate cropping systems suitable for Punjab conditions. The interactive sessions provided participants with an opportunity to discuss field-level challenges, seek expert guidance, and exchange experiences on implementing sustainable farming technologies under varying agro-climatic conditions.
Exposure visit to Integrated Farming System Model was also conducted where Dr Tamanpreeet Kaur from School of Organic Farming, PAU explained the model in detail and how it can be helpful for small farmers to get better income.
Programme ended with the feedback from the trainees who appreciated the crisp course schedule and the practical approach to the programme.