MoU signed

MoU signed

Ludhiana: The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has entered into an agreement with Nitrogen Parameters, Chennai (holding IRRF certificate) for the commercialisation of PAU Leaf Colour Chart (wheat and rice).

MD Benny Thomas and director of research Dr NS Bains signed the MoU.

Dr Varinder Pal Singh, senior soil scientist, who has developed the technology for the PAU Leaf Colour Chart, said it was an efficient tool for the optimum use of nitrogen fertilizer. “The effectiveness of the PAU Leaf Colour Chart can be gauged from farmers’ adoption of the same in Bassian village, adopted by the Department of Soil Science,” said Dr Singh.

“Apart from raising a healthy wheat crop, the PAU Leaf Colour Chart has helped farmers in saving 50 to 70 kg urea per acre,” he said.

Awareness camps

Farmers’ awareness campaign in various villages of district Ludhiana was organised under the guidance of Dr Jaswinder Singh Bhalla, professor and head, department of extension education.

Awareness camps and field day were organised in Sherpur Kalan, Pona and Sheikh Daulat villages in association with the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics of the PAU.

The main focus was to create awareness among farmers regarding crop diversification with the inclusion of summer pulses in traditional paddy-wheat cropping system.

Dr Guriqbal Singh, senior agronomist (pulses) told about improved cultivation practices of pulses and soil health benefits in detail.

Dr Ranjit Kaur Gill, assistant plant breeder (pulses), explained about the importance of pulses and recommended varieties of summer and kharif pulses.

Dr Mahesh Kumar Narang, agricultural engineer, explained the efficient use of machines and management of crop residue. Dr Lavleesh Garg, assistant professor (extension education), motivated farmers to adopt subsidiary occupation to reduce the unnecessary farm expenses by adopting new agriculture techniques. TNS