1000 farmers attend Innovative Farmers Meet at Tarn Taran

Amritsar, May 6 (Punjab Post Bureau) – In keeping with the Prime Ministers vision of doubling farm income by 2022, as well as the Punjab governments push for resolving the problems of the farming community, CII organized an Innovative farmers Meet at TarnTaran,

Where nearly1000 farmers from surrounding areas were showcased new technologies. Interactions were held with experts in various fields. This event is one in a series of programs being held in all corners of Punjab from now upto mid June.

 Experts from ICAR, PAU rubbed shoulders with successful natural farmers, who shared their experiences and acumen. A call was given to farmers of Punjab to take the lead again and start another Organic revolution in farm success as was done from. These lands in the 1960’s during the Green Revolution. Integrated farming, multi cropping, adoption of new ways and the theme of change for a more prosperous and healthy Punjab were the themes for the day. MLA Dr. Dharambir Agnihotri & DC DPS Kharbanda graced the interaction & motivated the farmers to adopt new technologies as well as organic cultivation.

Er, DPS Kharbanda, Deputy Commissioner, Tarn Taran , called on the farm implements’ industry to provide expensive farm implements on rent to farmers who cannot afford them. On his call Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd (Swaraj Division) announced to provide Mulchear and Rotavator machines at rental of Rs 350 per acre for farmersAs many as 1,000 farmers visited the various stalls of farm implements organized as part of the farmers meet and took part in a session on Wetland conservation and organic farming held on the occasion.

Dr. Dharambir Agnihotri, MLA, Tarn Taran , said, “Owing to steps taken by district administration it is the first year that stubble burning has drastically come down. Providing expensive farm implements on hire is a great step in helping farmers flourish. Farmers must also learn latest techniques from Krishi Vigyan Kendras and propagate the same for more profitable sustainable agricultural practices.”

In his special address, Mr Sujoy Rakshit, Director, ICAR – Indian Institute of Maize Research said, “Maize has very high potential to diversify cropping pattern in Punjab because of its diverse utility as food, feed, fodder, and industrial inputs on one hand and lower requirement of water as compared to competing khareef crops like rice. Specialty corn viz sweet corn and baby corn has great potential to be grown organically baby corn and sweet corn have immense potential. With rising purchasing power and awareness regarding harmful effects of inorganically cultivated produce organically and grown produce farmers can benefit a lot from technology in display at the farmers meet today.

Dr. Ramandeep Singh, Professor of Business management, School of Business studies, PAU, e mphasised on sustainable agriculture while speaking on ‘Sustainable Agricultural Practices & Impact of Agriculture Runoff on Wetlands’. said, “Understanding of Agri business will definitely enhance Agri business skills, further understanding of product and market development will enhance profitability of agri-preneurs. I can proudly say that existing agri-preneurs / progressive farmers/ rural youth of Punjab have developed new brands and are making lot of profits.”

            Dr. Paramjeet Singh, Professor of Business Management, School of Business Studies, Punjab Agriculture University , said, focus needs to be on how to control pesticide load, control insects in the basis of threshold. Wetlands need to be preserved with joint efforts. He also stressed on application technology so that environment is not polluted.

            Mr. Gunbir Singh Past Chairman CII Punjab State Council, chaired the event & said, “ The farm economy of Punjab is indeed distressed. We through these series of events are providing an opportunity for adoption of newer techniques & take the path of decreasing dependence on excessive chemical inputs. The farm community expressed much interest in the direct marketing of organic produce as well as value additions to the output through family participation. We look forward to amendments by the state government of the APMC act to encourage the direct marketing of natural produce & such value added products to improve the lot of the farmers.” He also said that every farmer must strive for value addition to his or her produce. CII’s initiative has helped hundreds of visiting farmers today to interact with experts and make their agricultural ventures more profitable.