Previously, the government discouraged farmers from planting moong in cotton belts, claiming that the growth of moong caused the spread of white fly, which attacked the standing cotton crop, causing harm to it.
Dr. Gosal also urged specialists to prepare for the upcoming paddy and cotton seasons in the rural state. Today, the PAU VC presided over the monthly review meeting for research and extension work.
Cotton cultivation and management of whitefly and pink bollworm, popularization of short-duration rice varieties and direct seeded rice, assessment of loss to wheat and other crops due to untimely rains, squalls, and hailstorms, and campaign on fall armyworm management in maize were all discussed.
Dr. Gosal praised the state government's rising care for farmers, including the provision of a 33% seed subsidy to cotton growers, the appointment of Kisan Mitras in the cotton belt, and the availability of canal water for timely cotton sowing from now on.
Dr. Gosal stated that 680 Kisan Mitras had been trained by the PAU in recommended cotton varieties, improved agronomic practices, identification of major insect-pests and diseases, and spray technology for four districts — Muktsar, Fazilka, Bathinda, and Mansa.
He praised the input from farmers in 12 districts on surface seeding technology, which allowed the wheat crop to remain unlodged, withstand adverse weather conditions, and result in minimal weed emergence. The VC advised farmers to use this low-cost, environmentally friendly wheat planting technology, calling it a groundbreaking tool for crop residue management.
Dr. Gosal called for increased efforts to promote less water-consuming PR varieties of rice such as PR 126, a new high-value fruit crop- dragon fruit- in kitchen garden and Kandi regions, and scientific guidance for insect-pest and disease management in diverse crops.
