An awareness training camp on “Paddy Straw Management and Crop Diversification” was organized by the students of B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), at Baddowal village of Ludhiana district under the guidance of Dean, College of Horticulture and Forestry.

Dr Amit Kaul, Extension Scientist (Agronomy), delivered an insightful lecture on paddy straw management, elaborating on eco-friendly techniques and the use of modern machinery to curb the harmful practice of stubble burning. He also introduced the newly released wheat varieties by PAU, emphasizing their potential benefits for the farmers.

Dr Ruma Devi, Assistant Professor (Vegetable Science), highlighted the role of vegetable-based crop diversification in improving profitability and enhancing nutritional security at the household level.

Dr Harmeet Sarlach, Professor (Forestry), emphasized the importance of diversification in agriculture for soil health improvement, risk mitigation, and long-term sustainability.

Dr Simrat Singh, Assistant Professor (Floriculture and Landscaping), provided valuable insights into floriculture as a diversification strategy, encouraging farmers to explore cut flowers and ornamental plants as viable and profitable agri-enterprises.

Dr Dilpreet Talwar, Extension Scientist, underlined the benefits of vegetable nutrition gardens and demonstrated nursery raising techniques for various vegetable crops to promote self-sufficiency and nutritional well-being.

The farmers actively interacted during the sessions and raised practical queries related to the adoption of alternative cropping systems and efficient residue management techniques.

In addition to the lectures, vegetable seed kits and vegetable seedlings were distributed to the farmers, encouraging them to adopt diversified cropping patterns and promote kitchen gardening at the household level.

Overall, the camp proved to be a successful step toward spreading awareness about sustainable farming, reducing environmental hazards of paddy residue burning, and motivating farmers to adopt crop diversification practices for a resilient agricultural future.

Student group leaders Dilpreet Singh and Harmehar Singh proposed vote of thanks.