1. Technology for detection and removal of harmful gases in tube well pits: The problem of accumulation of harmful gases has been found in tube well pits after the onset of monsoon period. When a person goes into these pits for repair and maintenance of pump sets, he feels difficulty in respiration and become unconscious after few minutes and may die if he remains in pit for longer time. The analyses of air samples show the presence of more carbon dioxide, increase in nitrogen and decrease in oxygen contents. A simple technology for detection and removal of harmful gases in tube well pits was recommended which has been well adopted by the farmers and extension agencies of the state. . Just lower a lighted kerosene lamp inside the pit before entering the pit. If it blows out, it indicates the presence of harmful gases below that point. Several methods were suggested to remove these harmful gases. Because of this, many farmers have been saved from the harmful effects of accumulated gases in tube well pits. It was because of this recommendation that the Govt. of Punjab included this as a cause of paying compensation to the affected farmers.

2. Roof top water harvesting for groundwater recharge: Rooftop rainwater harvesting being simple, economical and eco-friendly can be used for artificial recharge of groundwater recharge at mass level in the State of Punjab. This will not only improve the quality of ground water but also check the declining of water table problem to some extent. Beside this it will improve the roads condition and mosquitoes problem. More than 100 rooftop rainwater harvesting structures have been installed in different parts of the State, in consultation with the department.

3. Multiple well point system: The multiple well point system was conceived, designed, installed and tested in the experimental area of Golewala watershed for tapping floating thin layer of good quality water without much turbulence in the lower saline water zone. It consists of number of well points arranged in a line and interconnected to each other through a horizontal pipe line (lateral) buried at about 70 – 100 cm below the ground level, pumped centrally. The laterals are brought to centrally located sump such that delivery points remains about 15 cm above the sump floor level and the sump floor level should be kept about 2 m below the expected water level in the sump. The moment water is lowered in the sump through pumping, the sub-surface water starts moving from well points into the sump under siphon action. The multiple well point systems were then found to be technically feasible and economically viable

4. Low cost net house: Design of low cost net house with an average life of structure 25 year has been approved by the State Farmer’s Commission, Chandigarh.

5. Design of modified green house: A modified greenhouse was designed by increasing side ventilation area and providing top ventilations (windows at the top). This helped in optimizing environmental parameters viz. Temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation for favourable plant growth and the farmers will be able to use the poly house for crop production throughout the year.

6. Mulch Laying Machine: Tractor Driven Mulch laying machine can be used for making beds, laying of mulch and drip laterals with the help of tractor. Total operational cost of the machine is about Rs. 2129/- per hectare. There is saving of 31.78 % and 68.8 % in cost of operation over partially mechanized operation (Bed planter + Manual Mulch + Manual Drip Laying) and completely manual operation respectively. Plastic laying mulching machine saves 81.43 % and 95.20 % labour over partially mechanized operation and completely manual operation respectively.

7. Development of rooftop/terrace vegetable nutrition garden model for urban and peri-urban population using soil-less media.

Punjab Agricultural University has become the pioneer to develop rooftop/terrace vegetable nutrition garden model for urban and peri-urban population using soil-less media. The technology has been developed under All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Plasticulture Engineering and Technology, operating in the Department of Soil and Water Engineering.

Salient features:

1. It requires only 12.6 sq m (net area = 4.2 m x 3.0 m) and gross area is of 20 sq m ( 5.5 m x 3.6 m )
2. The vegetable produced will be sufficient for a family of 2-4 persons.
3. With Staggered sowing/transplanting, the vegetables would be available round the year.
4. The approximate cost of this model is around Rs. 35000/

Salient REC Recommendations:

The salient achievements under drip irrigation system which not only results in increase in yield but also saves 20 % fertilizers through fertigation are as follows:

1. Response of Potato to different levels of Irrigation and fertigation with drip irrigation: Drip irrigation results not only in increase in yield but also helps saves 39% water over conventional method of irrigation.

2. Response of Chilli under drip irrigation with different irrigation and fertigation levels: Drip irrigation results not only in increase in yield but also helps saves 47% water over conventional method of irrigation.

3. Response of Wheat under drip irrigation with different irrigation and fertigation levels: Drip irrigation results saving 39% water over conventional method of irrigation. 14.1% higher yield with drip irrigation system as compared with conventional irrigation system.

4. Response of Onion under drip irrigation with different irrigation and fertigation levels: Drip irrigation results in saving of 44 % water over conventional method of irrigation. 82.1% higher yield with drip irrigation system as compared with conventional irrigation system.

5. Response of Spring Maize under drip irrigation with different irrigation and fertigation levels: Drip irrigation results in saving of 40 % water over conventional method of irrigation.

6. Response of Pea under drip irrigation with different irrigation and fertigation levels: Drip irrigation results in saving of 50 % water over conventional method of irrigation.

7. Response of Brinjal under drip irrigation with different irrigation and fertigation levels: Drip irrigation results in saving of 44 % water over conventional method of irrigation.

8.Response of Sugarcane under drip irrigation with different irrigation and fertigation levels: Drip irrigation results in saving of 35% water over conventional method of irrigation.39 tons/hahigher yield with drip irrigation system as compared with conventional irrigation system.