With wheat harvesting and paddy cultivation season nearing, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), called upon the extension functionaries to be easily accessible to the farmers on- and off- the field. Chairing the monthly meeting of the Extension and Research Review Committee today, Dr Gosal flagged the issues of diminishing water resources, rising pollution levels due to straw burning, fluctuating weather conditions, and dwindling financial resources. “Brace yourself for every inclemency and fasten the adoption of short duration rice varieties as well as straw management technologies,” he told the scientists.

Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research, informed that cotton cultivation, pre-sowing management of whitefly and pink bollworm in cotton, popularization of short duration and non-water intensive rice varieties, direct seeded rice, fall army worm in maize, and different wheat sowing technologies under paddy straw management were the focused areas of the meet.

Dr MS Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, while welcoming the research and extension scientists, also urged the field level functionaries to be available at the beck and call of the senior officials and the farmers for the timely redressal of the agrarian issues.

Dr GPS Sodhi, Additional Director of Extension Education, proposed a vote of thanks. On the occasion, Dr Jagdish Grover, Professor, Regional Research Station, Bathinda, was given a warm send off upon superannuation.