Muktsar, June 3
Seven villages of the district have been brought under Sir Ratan Tata Trust Scheme for cotton cultivation and a benchmark survey in this regard has been completed. This was revealed by the Chief Agricultural Officer, Mr S.S. Kandhari, here today.
Under the scheme the cotton crop of 70 farmers belonging to Sarainaga, Kabarwala, Bhangchari, Khiowali, Singhewala, Bhaliana and Madhir villages would be under close scrutiny of the Agricultural Department.
The department staff pay a visit to these villages on every Tuesday and Thursday. Literature and material relating to agriculture is also made available at the centres set up in the villages. A scout has been appointed at each village who keeps a close eye on any pest attack from sowing to plucking of cotton crop, Mr Kandhari said.
An inspection area of 12 kanal would be established in each village for research on Bt cotton spacing, fertilisers and pest attacks. In each of these areas 10 varieties of Bt cotton and two of non-Bt cotton would be sown. The farmers selected under the scheme in the current as well as the previous year would be given subsidy on spray pumps.
Mr Kandhari said necessary steps had been taken to protect the crop from diseases generating from seeds. Technical teams were visiting these villages once a week and their visits would continue till September. Camps would be organised in these villages in July to acquaint farmers with friendly and harmful insects for cotton crop. They would also be sensitised on effective use of spray.
