Avoid Phosphorus fertiliser in paddy if already applied to wheat; KVK advises farmers
Ferozepur, May 4, 2026: The team of Panjab Agriculture University (PAU) and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) at Ferozepur organized an awareness camp on the judicious use of fertilisers at KVK, Ferozepur.
Addressing the farmers, Dr. Gurmel Singh Sandhu, Deputy Director, shared information about the recommended high-yielding varieties of paddy and basmati, along with their productivity. He encouraged farmers to adopt short-duration paddy varieties and informed that seeds are available at KVK Malwal, Ferozepur.
He advised farmers to apply fertilisers based on soil testing and highlighted that farmers can avail soil and water testing services at the KVK laboratory. Importantly, he stated that if the recommended dose of phosphorus has already been applied to wheat, there is no need to apply phosphorus fertiliser to the subsequent paddy crop. Farmers were also urged to promote the use of farmyard manure, green manure crops, and organic fertilisers.
During the camp, Dr. Bhallan Singh Sekhon, Assistant Professor (Vegetable Science), guided farmers on balanced nutrient management in vegetable crops. Dr. Simranjit Kaur, Assistant Professor (Plant Protection), spoke about the viral disease affecting paddy, commonly known as “mid-season decline,” which can attack all existing varieties. She explained that the disease is transmitted by the white-backed plant hopper and stressed the need for regular field monitoring. Farmers were advised to keep field bunds and water channels weed-free and remain vigilant, especially in fields previously affected. In case of pest incidence, spraying recommended insecticides in nurseries as per PAU guidelines was suggested.
Dr. Divya, Assistant Professor (Home Science), highlighted the harmful effects of the excessive and imbalanced use of fertilisers and pesticides on human health and the environment. She urged farmers to adopt recommended doses and strictly follow safety measures while using agrochemicals.