Farmer scientist interaction on “Diseases of Peas” was organised by PAU, Farm Advisory Service Centre (FASC) Tarn Taran in association with Department of Plant Pathology of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana at village Jamarai on 11.12.2024. The event focused on raising awareness about the common diseases affecting pea crop and providing effective solutions to the diseases.

Dr. Gurjinderpal Singh Sodhi, Additional Director of Extension Education, PAU, graced the occasion and shared his valuable thoughts with farmers. He stressed upon the integration of subsidiary occupations along with farming for income generation. He further highlighted the concern for Punjab farmers about the alarming situation of ground water depletion and urged the farmers to adopt crop diversification.

Dr. Parvinder Singh, Incharge, FASC, Tarn Taran welcomed the team from PAU, Ludhiana and discussed the current scenario of peas, other winter vegetables and the impact of high temperature on these crops. He also stressed upon adoption of kitchen gardening.

Dr. Amarjit Singh, Principal Extension Scientist (Plant Pathology) discussed disease identification, symptoms and effective treatment methods of peas and other rabi crops. He advised the farmers to adopt seed treatment in wheat for the control karnal bunt and black tip diseases.

Dr. Simarjit Kaur, Principal Agronomist, discussed spray technology for effective control of weeds in crops. Dr. Tarundeep Kaur, Principal Agronomist, shared her views on weed management in wheat and other rabi crops.

Dr. Parminder Kaur, Senior Extension Scientist (Plant Pathology) delivered lecture on identification of insect pests of wheat and present scenario of pink stem borer and armyworm in the district. She advised farmers to be in touch with FASC experts to get the maximum benefits from farming operations.

Dr. Parminder Singh Sandhu, DES (Agronomy) gave advice on adopting good agronomic practices for the successful cultivation of rabi crops. He also recommends farmers to apply potassium nitrate for increasing yield and quality of wheat.

In the interactive session farmers had the opportunity to ask questions about their specific concerns regarding crop health, pest management, and disease prevention. They actively participated in the discussion and various queries were also attended by the experts. More than 100 farmers participated in the event. At the last Dr. Parminder Kaur proposed vote of thanks.

The team from PAU, Ludhiana visited On-Farm trials on “Control of Roripa weed with various herbicides in peas” and “Demonstrations on pea wilt” at village Kot Mohammad Khan. Experts also conducted a visit to surface seeding wheat fields. An exhibition of PAU literature, awardee farmers & activities of FASC, Tarn Taran was also displayed.