Farmer awareness cum wheat distribution programme” organized at village Khandwal

JAMMU: Agrometeorology Section, SKUAST-J under the aegis of Dr. B.N.Tripathi, Vice Chancellor and guidance of Prof. S.K. Gupta, Director Research, SKUAST-Jammu organized one day “Farmer awareness cum wheat distribution programme” at village Khandwal, Satwari, Jammu on 19th November, 2024 with the objective to distribute the high yielding foundation wheat seed of variety DBW 222 among SC farmers for enhancing their production and to increase their farm income as well as to sensitize them about the impact of climate change on agricultural crops. Dr. Narinder Singh Raina, MLA R.S.Pura-Jammu South Assembly Constituency graced the occasion as a Chief Guest. Prof. S.K. Gupta, Director Research, SKUAST-Jammu was the Guest of Honour of the programme.  More than 250 farmers including male and female participated.

The programme was preceded by Dr. Mahender Singh, Prof. and in-charge AICRPAM, Agrometeorology Section who welcomed the gathering and discussed in detail about the importance of organizing such awareness programme. He emphasized the climate change over the Jammu region and its impact of agricultural crops by the use of weather and climate based agro-advisories in day to day agricultural activities.

Dr. Narinder Singh Raina, MLA, R.S.Pura-Jammu encouraged the farming community to participate in these type of programmes to get benefited about the latest technologies developed by SKUAST - J. He distributed Wheat seed variety DBW-222 to about 200 farmers of Khandwal, Nandwal  and Chatha villages.

Prof. S.K. Gupta, Director Research, Guest of Honour highlighted the various activities undertaken by the University for the Welfare of the farmers for boosting their income from agriculture enterprises. He stressed the farmer community to come forward regarding their agricultural related problems. He also informed farmers about upcoming Kissan Mela- 2024 scheduled to be held at SKUAST-J, Chatha from 20 to 23 Nov, 2024 and emphasized them to participate in large number.

Ex Sarpanch and senior B JP leader  Sonam Aulakh, Sarpanch Khandwal panchyat while speaking on the occasion presented a detailed account of techniques being adopted by the farming community in his panchayat that has been paying good dividends. He also highlighted the importance of new technology being put in practice to multiply the crop yield that may help in meeting the growing demand of the consumers.

Dr. B. R. Bazaya, Chief  Scientist & I/C,Weed Management explained the farmers about effective weed management in different rabi season crops. He educated the farmers about optimum dose and timely application of weedicide for getting maximum benefits.

Dr. Reena, Chief Scientist, Entomology, ACRA, Rakh Dhiansar gave detailed information about ill effects of chemical pesticide on crops and stressed the farmers about maximum use of bio intensive integrated pest management practices. She also demonstrated the pheromone traps for monitoring and mass trapping of insect pest of cereal, pulses, vegetable and fruit crops which is highly economic, cost effective and environment friendly.

Dr. Veena Sharma, Technical Officer highlighted about soil and water conservation practices to achieve optimal nutrient use efficiency in crop yields, crop quality and economic returns. Dr. Rohit Sharma, Technical Officer, AMFU, Rajouri highlighted the importance of Agromet Advisory services in day today agriculture activities. He motivated the farmers to make maximum use of Meghdoot, Mausam and Damini mobile apps for timely and effective AABs.

 Dr. Charu Sharma, YP-II, AICRPAM-NICRA Project emphasized farming community to adopt improved/modern technologies like AAS and mechanized farming system to improve livelihood of area.

Mr. Brijeshwar Singh Rana, BJP Leader, Mr. Suresh Kumar, FCLA and Mr. Dharamvir, AO, also participated in the programme. Mr. Sonam Aulakh presented the vote of thanks and appreciated the farmers for their participation.