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As part of Road Safety Week, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), organized safety awareness and training camps at village Maste Ke, Ferozepur. The initiative, benefiting around 120 farmers, aimed to promote road safety and enhance awareness of safe agricultural machinery practices.
It was led by Dr Shiv Kumar Lohan, Associate Professor and Co-PI, All India Co-ordinated Project on Ergonomics and Safety in Agriculture and Allied Sector; Dr Anand Gautam, Assistant Professor; Dr Santosh Kumar, Scientist FMPE; and Dr Simranjeet Kaur, Assistant Professor, KVK Ferozepur. The programme focused on reducing accidents and ensuring the well-being of farmers.
Dr Lohan emphasized the importance of Slow-Moving Vehicle Emblems (SMVEs), Roll-over Protective Structures (ROPS) on tractors, proper braking systems on tractor-trailers, and the use of rear lights on trolleys for improved visibility.
Dr Gautam highlighted the significance of safety gadgets for farm machinery, such as threshers and chaff cutters, stressing the need for safety devices to prevent operational accidents.
Dr Kumar highlighted the significance of drone sprayers in helping farmers save time and chemicals by ensuring even spraying. He emphasized key operating points such as correct tank load, appropriate spray height, optimal speed, suitable nozzle type, wind condition checks, and proper battery management. He also guided farmers on drone rules, stating that agricultural drones must be registered, operated by trained personnel, used only in permitted areas, flown below the allowed height, and primarily for farming purposes while complying with all safety norms.
To reinforce these safety practices, SMVEs, reflective tapes, and LED lights were retrofitted free of cost on more than 120 tractor-trolleys used to transport vegetables to mandi during the season (December-March).
Dr Manjeet Singh, Head of the Department, stated that farmers can approach the department to obtain reflective tapes. “This initiative underscores PAU’s commitment to creating a culture of safety and awareness within the farming community, reducing accidents, and promoting the adoption of sustainable practices in agriculture,” he added.
Jagmeet Singh and Balwinder Singh, Maste Ke, Ferozepur lauded PAU’s proactive efforts in promoting safety measures against farm machinery accidents. Participating farmers appreciated the programme and acknowledged its critical role in fostering safer agricultural and transportation practices.