Sangrur, Punjab: Punjab Agricultural University’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Sangrur, in collaboration with the Center for Water Technology and Management, Department of Agronomy, PAU Ludhiana, organized a “Field day on efficient irrigation management in paddy” under the project funded by Punjab Water Regulatory and Development Authority, Chandigarh, drawing participation from around 200 farmers across the district. The event aimed to spread the awareness about sustainable farming practices, efficient use of water resources, and crop diversification strategies essential for strengthening Punjab’s agricultural economy.
Expressing concern over the fast depletion of underground water resources, Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, PAU Ludhiana, acknowledged the achievements of Sangrur’s farmers, who have consistently obtained record yields of wheat and paddy. However, he strongly urged farmers to adopt efficient irrigation management practices such as laser leveling and alternate wetting and drying (AWD) in paddy to safeguard Punjab’s fast-depleting water table. He further called upon the farmers to make judicious use of fertilizers and water in various crops. He also advocated the adoption of in-situ paddy residue management for improving soil health and environment protection.
The event also witnessed insights from Sh. Mohinder Singh Sidhu, Chairman Punseed Punjab, who stressed the importance of crop diversification through vegetable cultivation. He explained that inclusion of vegetables in the rice–wheat rotation could enhance farm income, reduce risks, and promote long-term sustainability. He also emphasized the need to revive joint family traditions in rural areas, stating that collective farming ensures better resource management and knowledge sharing.
Delivering his message, Dr. Dharminderjit Singh Sidhu, Chief Agriculture Officer, Sangrur, spoke about the importance of in-situ crop residue management. He encouraged farmers to adopt small plot size for irrigation scheduling in wheat, explaining that this technique could save substantial amounts of water while simultaneously boosting wheat yields.
Dr. Sukhpreet Singh, Senior Agronomist at PAU Ludhiana, outlined the roadmap of the PWRDA project for the next two to three years. He assured farmers that the project would provide scientific guidance and practical demonstrations to help them adopt more water-efficient and economically viable practices. Dr. Ajmer Singh Brar (Principal Agronomist, CWTM, PAU Ludhiana) stressed on adoption of alternate wetting and drying technique in paddy for saving of precious underground water resources.
Dr. Rukinder Preet Singh, Assistant Professor of Agronomy, KVK Sangrur, introduced farmers to the latest improved varieties of wheat and rapeseed–mustard. He also explained the significance of pre- and post-emergence herbicides in effective weed management, stressing that judicious use of herbicides not only improves yield but also reduces the cost of cultivation. Dr. Sunil Kumar, Assistant Professor of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, KVK Sangrur, highlighted the role of farm machinery in paddy straw management. He emphasized that adopting new technologies and machines can help farmers prepare fields for wheat sowing in time, reduce environmental pollution caused by residue burning, and enhance soil health. Dr Vajinder Kalra (Agronomist, PAU Ludhiana) encouraged the farmers to opt for organic farming to meet their household demand of fruit, vegetable, pulses and oilseed crops.
The program concluded with remarks from Dr. Mandeep Singh, Incharge, KVK Sangrur, who thanked the experts, dignitaries, and farmers for their enthusiastic participation. He also drew attention to the emerging threats of stunting virus and false smut disease in paddy, advising farmers to remain vigilant and adopt timely protective measures.
Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt visited the model demonstration unit on irrigation management at KVK farm Kheri and appreciated the team for their encouraging work on seed production of paddy and maize crops.
The event was graced by the presence of Satgur Singh (Sarpanch, Sheron), Jaswant Singh (Secretary Co-op Society), Kuldeep Singh Sikh (President, Co-op Society), Kulveer Singh (Vice president, Co-op Society), Manpreet Singh (Senior vice president Co-op Society), Kuldeep Singh (Junior President, Co-op Society), Jasvir Singh and Tarsem Singh along with various panchayat members of Sheron village. Mr. Anil Kumar (Technical Manager) and Mr. Yadwinder Singh (KVK, Sangrur) also graced the occasion.