A five-day training course on “Organic Farming,” organized by the Skill Development Centre and the School of Organic Farming of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), concluded here in the University. The training invited the participation of 23 organic growers, who were provided hands-on demonstration on organic and natural farming techniques for chemical-free production, keeping in view the health concerns of the public. It was held under the guidance of Dr MS Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, PAU.
Dr Rupinder Kaur, Associate Director (Skill Development), emphasized on adopting organic manure and vermi-composting preparation as subsidiary occupations for better monetary returns. “The cultivation of aromatic, spice and medicinal crops is also picking up,” she observed, while underlining the need to promote organic cultivation methods for pesticide residue-free crop production, and ensure safety of health of the masses.
The Course Coordinator Dr Lavleesh Garg, Extension Scientist, stressed upon maintaining standards, authenticity, and certification of organically-produced food products.
Dr SS Walia, Director, School of Organic Farming, delved upon the economically- viable and cost-effective Integrated Farming System (IFS) model, specifically developed for the small and marginal farmers. “The IFS model, involving the unique combination of crops, agro-forestry, horticulture, livestock and aquaculture, solidified the food availability, and income as well as employment generation,” he observed. Dr Singh also highlighted the futuristic scope of natural farming practices, gaining momentum across the region.
The resource persons included Dr Neeraj Rani, Dr KS Bhullar, Dr Gulab Pandove, Dr SS Minhas, Dr Sukhpreet Singh, Dr Subhash Singh, Dr AK Chaudhary, Dr Jagmohan Kaur, Dr AS Sidhu, Dr Vajinderpal Kalra, Dr Dilpreet Talwar, Dr Sudhendu Sharma, Dr PS Shera and Dr Khushdeep Dharni. Experts explained organic certification of farms, vermi-compost making, organic cultivation techniques, benefits and preservation of organic manure, insect-pest and disease management in organic farming, inter-cropping in organic cultivation, natural farming methods, cultivation of herbal and medicinal plants, vegetable cultivation using organic farming practices, bio-agent usage and marketing of organic products.
Dr Kanwaljit Kaur, while proposing a vote of thanks, informed that the trainees visited organic farming experimental area, vermi-compost unit, IFS model area and held an interactive session with the successful organic growers.
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