Punjab farmers get training on crop diversification

Shahpur (Punjab), June 11 : A training-cum-awareness-camp was organised here recently to spread awareness about the new techniques for diversification of crops among farmers. Farmers at Shahpur village are happy to take to cash crops, which demand little care, water and are not destroyed by wild animals. he state agriculture department is also providing incentives to farmers to encourage them to raise cash crops.

"Looking at the demands of the farmers, we have allowed them to grow crops other than split bean. They are being given information about sowing pulses, mustard and other cash crops. We will provide them 50 per cent subsidy for seeds. We will equip them with latest machineries that would prove beneficial for the farmers," said K.S.Pannu, Deputy Commissioner.

The land, estimated to be over 3000 acres across the barbed fence in this sector is fertile. The farmers are a pleased lot with the initiative of the authorities. "These camps are really beneficial. Our problems have been looked at and officials have tried to solve our issues related to farming," said Surinder Singh, a farmer.

"Earlier, we had no knowledge about the latest technology. But now we have been informed about a lot of things. I feel such training are very important and should be organised more often," said Paramjit Singh, another farmer.

The Border Security Force (BSF) is also providing full assistance to farmers to ensure higher production of the crops across the border fence.

The farmers are also being acquainted with modern machines like the Paddy trans-planter, roto-motor and drill machines for the mechanized tilling of the land which will give high returns. y Ravinder Singh Robin

ANI