Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department organises district-level training camp on kharif crops
Hoshiarpur/Daljeet Ajnoha/April 10
Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain today made a strong appeal to farmers during a district-level farmers’ training camp, urging them to ensure proper management of crop residues to safeguard the environment, human health, and soil fertility. She emphasised using crop management machines provided by the agriculture department for this purpose.
Addressing a large gathering of farmers at the training camp on kharif crops, organised by Punjab’s Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department at the local City Centre, DC Jain said everyone should make collective efforts to position Hoshiarpur as a leading district in managing wheat and paddy residues without burning them in fields. She stressed that proper crop residue management is a critical need to protect the environment and prevent harm to human health, calling for serious consideration from all.
Noting the depleting groundwater levels, she informed farmers that the state government is providing Rs 17,500 per hectare subsidy for maize cultivation, along with Rs 1,500 financial assistance for direct seeding of paddy. She advised focusing on high-income crops and increasing earnings by processing produce with the help of self-help groups. The administration, she assured, would provide all possible support for crop residue management.
The Deputy Commissioner also appealed to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme to register on the Agri Stack portal to continue receiving benefits seamlessly. She highlighted that digital crop surveys under every field’s girdaavari (crop recording) are being conducted online in the district, aiding accurate records and timely compensation in case of disasters.
All arrangements for wheat procurement are complete, she added, assuring no inconvenience to farmers. She urged them to dry their produce properly before selling in mandis to avoid issues.
Agriculture experts from the Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department and the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) acquainted farmers with the latest farming techniques. Chief Agriculture Officer Dr. Dapinder Singh Sandhu appealed to farmers to get soil tested and use fertilisers based on soil health cards. The department remains committed to providing quality seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides.
KVK Assistant Director Dr. Maninder Singh Bons and his team shared detailed information on crop residue management, vegetable cultivation, improved seeds, advanced farming techniques, and agroforestry. District Training Officer Hoshiarpur Deepak Puri thanked the experts and farmers.
The camp saw participation from officials of various departments, farmers from across the district, Amit Negi (General Secretary, Trade Wing Punjab and Member, Excise and Taxation), and Kuljeet Singh (Member, District Council Jahan Khelan).
The Deputy Commissioner visited exhibition stalls set up by agriculture experts, departments, and self-help groups, interacting with farmers and specialists.
