STATE TIMES NEWS
RAJOURI: Regional Agriculture Research Station, Rajouri under the aegis of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Jammu and under the auspices of Directorate of Research, SKUAST-J organised a farmers training programme on ‘Production and Protection techniques of Quality Protein Maize (QPM) hybrid maize seed’ at Village Pullian of Rajouri District under the supervision of Dr. Vikas Sharma, (Principal Investigator).
The training programme was organised under the Project ‘Entrepreneurship opportunities for socio- economic uplift of rural farmers through QPM production hybrid seed techniques’ sanctioned by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India for the tribal farmers of the Rajouri District.
At the onset of training programme Dr. Vikas Sharma delivered a detailed lecture on the role of quality seed material for the production of QPM and discussed in detail about production technology of QPM. He further stressed on inclusion of QPM in daily dietary habits. Dr. Deepak Kumar (Scientist, Plant Pathology) emphasised on integrated pest management approach in quality protein maize production for seed purpose and its storage.
He also advised the farmers to follow community approach to control the pest and diseases in the fields as well as in storage conditions.
Dr. Rohit Sharma (Scientist), delivered detailed lecture on Importance of medium range weather forecast in crop production and pest management relevant to mid hill conditions of Rajouri. The training programme was co-ordinated by Dr. Vikas Tondon (Programme Coordinator, KVK, Rajouri) who emphasised farmers to initiate a seed village programme on QPM. Besides farmers, Sarpanch and Panchs of village Pullian were also present and showed their keen interest in the programme.