Adopt integrated Farming System Model: PAU to small & marginal farmers

Published on: 04 May 2023 at 10:46 AM

Published by: thefactnews

The Fact News Service

Ludhiana, May 4

A five-day training course on “Organic Cultivation” concluded at the Skill Development Centre of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). A total of 34 farmers and farm women participated in the course, held under the guidance of Dr. GS Buttar, Director of Extension Education.

Farmers and farm women were apprised of vermicompost preparation, organic manures, organic cultivation of fruit and vegetable crops, efficient water management as well as disease and insect-pest management in organic farming, Integrated Farming System model, significance and cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants, and marketing of organic produce.

“Organic growing leads to pesticide-free production, thus, yielding health benefits for the consumers,” observed Dr Kuldeep Singh Pandhu, Associate Director (Skill Development), while addressing the trainees.

Dr CS Aulakh, an expert of organic farming, shared the standards, authenticity, future and scope of organic cultivation in Punjab.

Dr SS Walia, Director of School Organic Farming, explained the Integrated Farming System (IFS) model, which evolved for the small and marginal farmers as well as an economically viable option, comprising the blend of crops, livestock, aquaculture, agro-forestry and agri-horticulture. It ensures profitability, balanced food availability and employment generation, he added.

The resource persons included Dr Neeraj Rani, Dr KS Bhullar, Dr Gulab Pandove, Dr Sukhpreet Singh, Dr Subhash Singh, Dr AK Chaudhary, Dr Vajinderpal, Dr Rajinder Kumar, Dr Manisha Thakur, Dr Paramjit Kaur and Dr Khushdep Dharni.