Sangrur, 19 June: The Punjab Agricultural University-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sangrur organized a specialized in-service training programme for extension personnel of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare on the theme “Improved Production Practices of Kharif Maize and Farm Machinery for Kharif Crops” at KVK Sangrur. Dr Mandeep Singh, Incharge PAU-KVK, Sangrur told that a total of 36 extension functionaries participated in the programme, which aimed at updating their technical knowledge and enhancing their capacity to effectively disseminate improved agricultural technologies among farmers. The training programme was graced by Dr. Dharminderjeet Singh, Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO), Sangrur. In his inaugural address, Dr. Dharminderjeet Singh highlighted the strong collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and KVK Sangrur in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, particularly Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) and kharif maize cultivation. He emphasized the importance of crop diversification in the rice–wheat production system and discussed various government initiatives encouraging farmers to adopt alternative crops. He also pointed out the growing demand for maize due to its increasing utilization in the ethanol industry, creating new opportunities for farmers to enhance their income. During the technical sessions, Dr. Rukinder Preet Singh Dhaliwal, Assistant Professor (Agronomy), delivered a comprehensive lecture on the improved production technologies of kharif maize. He elaborated on nutrient management practices with special emphasis on the identification and correction of micronutrient deficiencies. He also discussed effective weed management strategies for achieving higher productivity in maize. The queries raised by participants regarding weed control in Direct Seeded Rice were addressed in detail. Dr. Sunil Kumar, Assistant Professor (Farm Machinery and Power Engineering), shared practical insights into field preparation techniques for Direct Seeded Rice and explained the important operational settings of the Lucky Seed Drill that should be checked before field use. He also provided detailed information on the production of mat-type nursery for mechanical transplanting of paddy. Furthermore, he demonstrated the working principles and advantages of a tractor-operated mat-type nursery seeder and a remote-controlled mechanical paddy transplanter developed for reducing labour requirements and improving planting efficiency. As part of the programme, participants visited the KVK farm where they observed demonstrations on mat-type paddy nursery production for mechanical transplanting and kharif maize seed production plots. The queries of farmers regarding nutrient and weed management in kharif maize were addressed.

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