‘Conservation agriculture’ training held at PAU

A regional training course on ‘Conservation Agriculture: Nurturing Sustainable Production Systems In South Asia’,under the aegis of International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT),International Rice Research Institute (IRRI),in collaboration with Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) concluded here today.

The programme,which was organised under Cereal Systems Initiatives In South Asia (CSISA) began on June 28. Speaking at the closing function,the chief guest Baldev Singh Dhillon,Vice Chancellor,PAU said that the relationship of CIMMYT and PAU had grown very strong and added that most of the impact of CIMMYT’s technologies had been noticed here. He said that PAU had been a front runner in the introduction of new genotypes,adding that its potential was later involved in crop improvement programme most successfully. Dhillon drew attention to the challenges that have surfaced in agriculture recently. The increasing foodgrain requirement to feed the burgeoning population,degradation of land and natural resources,imminent impact of happening climate change,increasing world food prices and social implications of the challenges are some of the concerns,he said. He observed that there has been a tremendous shift in the production variables of modern farming over traditional one.

Conservation agriculture (CA) practices are useful to address these issues,he said adding that it was good that CIMMYT is playing a good role in promoting CA by taking along the partner organisations.

He said that participants by obtaining training get a practical exposure which helps them further their programmes in the right direction.

Dhillon also gave certificates to participants.