Farmers in Punjab urged to adopt natural farming techniques

Agricultural experts in Ludhiana are promoting natural farming practices to improve sustainability and reduce costs for farmers. The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) recently hosted a farmer fair, called Kisan Mela, at its Bathinda research station, focusing on these themes. The event featured speeches from key officials, including Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, the state minister for agriculture. He praised the university's efforts and the farmers' contributions, noting that they provide 51% of the wheat for the national reserves. He encouraged farmers to pursue agricultural education to address current challenges. Vice-Chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal emphasized the importance of conservation agriculture. He stressed that modern farming should meet present needs without compromising future resources. He urged farmers to adopt environmentally-friendly technologies and stop harmful practices like stubble burning. Gosal introduced new crop varieties designed to be more efficient with resources. He recommended using less water-intense crops and methods like drip irrigation. He also made a case for purchasing affordable seed kits to help reduce costs. Farmers were reminded that small changes can lead to improved income and better farming practices. Gosal expressed gratitude to the farming community for their ongoing support and connection with the university over the years.