Agri university launches 'save water' campaign in Punjab

Ludhiana, Apr 25 (UNI) In order to preserve the water resources of the state, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has started a vigorous campaign on 'save water'.

Various water saving technologies for the Kharif season are being popularised through Kisan Melas, training camps and farm magazines.

PAU Directorate of Extension Education and Soils Department have jointly published a wall poster on 'save water, save Punjab'.

Releasing the poster today, Director of Extension Education, Dr N S Malhi said with this poster, the message of save water will reach every corner of Punjab.

Dr Malhi said, reports of early cultivation of paddy in Patiala district are disturbing. Research findings have clearly shown that transplantation of paddy before June 15 plays havoc with water resources.

According to Dr Malhi, transplantation of paddy before May 10 lowers underground water level by 60 cms. Transplantation of paddy on May 20 lowers water table by 50 cms whereas transplantation of paddy on May 30 lowers water table by 28 cms. However there is no lowering of water table if paddy is transplanted after June 15.

Dr Malhi has appealed to the Deputy Commissioner of Patiala to check early transplantation of paddy in Patiala district. He has urged the Deputy Commissioner to ensure that farmers are made aware about the negative aspect of early transplantation of paddy.

According to Head Soils Department, Dr V Beri, paddy consumes more water as compared to other crops, so efficient use of water is must.

Dr Beri said if the land is leveled with a laser leveler which can save 25 to 30 per cent of irrigation water. Giving tips on water saving, he said, flooding in paddy fields is needed just for 15 days after transplanting.

Thereafter, irrigation water may be applied two days after the complete disappearance of ponded water from the fields. This practice not only reduces the amount of irrigation water needed but also reduces the incidence insect pests and diseases, he said. ''By following this practice, farmers can reduce the number of irrigations from 44 to 25'', Dr Beri said. He informed that irrigation to rice must be stopped 15 days prior to its harvesting.

UNI