An Awareness Camp on ‘Crop Residue Management’ was organized by Punjab Agricultural University’s (PAU) Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Fatehgarh Sahib, in the campus of Jesus Saviour School, Sirhind, here today. The Awareness Camp was conducted to mobilize school students and sensitise them on the focal issue of stubble burning and its ill effects on human health, besides its detrimental effects on the flora and fauna, as well as its irreversible damage to soil health. The camp was conducted under the aegis of the Directorate of Extension Education, PAU, and ICAR-ATARI Zone 1, Ludhiana.

Addressing a gathering of over 100 students, Dr. Vipan Kumar Rampal, Associate Director (Training) highlighted the activities of KVK, Fatehgarh Sahib, and also stressed upon the crucial role of school students in creating awareness about the ill effects of burning crop residue. Dr Rampal enumerated various PAU recommended paddy residue management technologies. He also elaborated on the proper management of paddy residue through the use of farm machinery like MB Plough, rotavator, mulcher and baler.

Dr. Arvind Preet Kaur, Assistant Professor (Horticulture), appraised the students about the use of paddy straw in mushroom cultivation and cited on how paddy straw could be put to beneficial purposes.

Dr. Manisha Bhatia, Assistant Professor (Home Science), organized a Speech and Declamation Competition for the school students. The winners were later awarded by the KVK officials.

Expressing delight over the humongous participation of students, Mr. Sajimon George, Principal, Jesus Saviour School, shared that students are the harbingers of a healthy and prosperous future and their keenness to be at the forefront of saving soil, air and water, spelled good fortune for posterity. He also thanked the faculty of KVK, Fatehgarh Sahib, for organizing the programme and spreading timely awareness among the school students on crop residue management.