Punjab Agricultural University official urges extension scientists to beef up efforts to stop farm fires
The Director of Extension Education (DEE) of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Dr MS Bhullar, called upon extension functionaries to beef up their efforts to stop farm fires in the state. Holding parleys with the scientists of research and extension during the monthly review meeting here today, the DEE expressed satisfaction over the decline in stubble burning cases. But he warned the scientists not to take the matter lightly in view of the apex court’s directions and urged them to continue with their concerted efforts to check stubble-burning. Torching of paddy straw engulfed the entire region with the smoke, leading to serious repercussions on the human and animal health, he observed. Further, it aggravated the situation by polluting the air which was also a result of heavy vehicular traffic on the roads, he said. Elaborating, Dr Bhullar also appealed to the farmers to stop setting paddy straw on fire and adopt PAU recommended technologies for its in-field and off-field management.
Dr GPS Sodhi, Additional Director of Extension Education, addressing the meeting said that PAU toolkit for residue management had proved to be quite effective in bringing down the straw burning cases. Regular trainings and awareness programmes were being conducted for the state government officials and the PAU scientists to promote the adoption of technologies like PAU Happy Seeder, Surface Seeder, Super Seeder, Smart Seeder, Baler, cutter-cum-spreader, mould board plough, etc. at farmers’ fields, he informed. Punjab’s reputation was at stake, he lamented, while stating that it was high time for the farmers to save the state from being dented for the air pollution.
Dr Gursahib Singh Manes, Additional Director of Research (Agricultural Engineering), said strenuous efforts were being made by the scientists and the student fraternity of PAU for crop residue management. This year, the situation was under control, but still the university would continue to engage with the farmers to make every village, a zero-burning area, he said. Heads of departments; scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Farm Advisory Service Centres and faculty of PAU attended the meeting.
