Agriculture scientists satisfied with groundwater campaign

Ludhiana, Jun 18 (UNI) There is a tremendous sense of satisfaction and sigh of relief at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) that its efforts to create awareness and educate farmers to not to go in for early transplantation of paddy has yielded rich dividends.

Keeping in view the critical groundwater scenario in Punjab, which is fast depleting, PAU had advised the farmers to transplant paddy only after June 15. This appeal, including a joint appeal by PAV Vice Chancellor Dr K S Aulakh, Punjab Farmers Commission, Chairman Dr G S Kalkat and Punjab State Planning Board,Vice Chairman Dr S S Johal was issued in April this year.

The University during its 'Save Water Campaign' launched in Sangrur district in March had provided scientific data to tell the farmers how early paddy transplantation would hasten the downfall of sub-soil water. Reports received by PAU from across the state indicate that such an appeal intended to save water had the desired effect.

With paddy transplantation now in full swing and electricity being diverted to operate the tubewells, PAU scientists today called upon the farmers to start transplanting rice varities including PR-118, PR-116, PR-114, PR-111, PR-106, PR-108 and PR-113 from June 20 onwards. The farmers have been told that since PR-115 is harvested earlier than other varieties, this facilitates timely sowing of potatoes, peas and barseem.

According to PAU scientists there are indications that paddy nurseries in some of the fields, particularly those in light soil, show signs of iron deficiency. There the young leaves turn yellowish white and plant growth slows down. Farmers have been advised to spray 1.0 per cent ferrous sulphate in such a condition.

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