Complete paddy sowing in nursery by May 20: PAU

Ludhiana, May 12 (UNI) Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) experts have advised the farmers in Punjab to complete the sowing of paddy in nurseries by May 20.

Research scientists have advised farmers to go in for seed treatment before sowing to save the crop from primary seed borne infection. Fields should be ploughed taking advantage of the recent rain, as it will help in reducing weed problem, particularly of perennial weeds.

The University has already launched a campaign to create awarness and educate the farmers about benefits of delayed transplanation of paddy and advised them that it should not be done before June 15 to save water.

PAU agrometerologists have said in a statement today cotton sowing had been delayed due to non-availability of canal water and farmers as such should not follow recommended package of practices.

Field reports from Krishi Vigyan Kendras and district extension specialists reaching PAU indicate that sowing of cotton was slow and staggered.

PAU's word of caution for cotton growers is ''avoid sowing cotton this month, follow clean cultivation and destroy weeds.

The PAU experts have advised sunflower growers to ensure regular, adequate irrigation and follow proper irrigation at the stage of flowering.

Farmers have also been asked to grow non-legunimous crops like mix of maize and cow-pea for nutrients.

Regarding reports of viral attack on muskmelon in Kapurthala, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur,the experts said this is more on the crop that was sown early.

Farmers have been advised to go in for only the varieties recommended which include PR 118, Pr 116, PR 117, PR 115, PR 113, PR 111, PR 108 and PR 106.

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