PAU-KVK urges farmers to adopt recommended paddy varieties
Ferozepur, May 14, 2026: The team of Punjab Agriculture University-Krishi Vigyan Kendra - PAU-KVK under the leadership of Deputy Director Dr. Gurmel Singh organised an awareness camp for progressive farmers at village Bhure Khurd to promote the balanced use of chemical fertilisers.
During the camp, Dr. Simranjit Kaur informed farmers in detail about seed treatment and disease management in paddy and basmati crops. Speaking about dwarf disease in paddy, she said it is a viral disease that can affect any variety of paddy. She advised farmers to keep nursery areas weed-free and conduct regular field surveys to minimise the spread of the disease.
Addressing the farmers, Dr. Bhallan Singh Sekhon urged them to adopt paddy varieties recommended by Punjab Agricultural University, including PR-131, PR-132, PR-126 and the newly introduced PR-133, to save water and fertilisers. He especially highlighted that PR-132 requires nearly 25 percent less urea compared to conventional varieties.
He further informed that seeds of the new PR-133 variety are available at Rs 500 per 4-kg bag, while seeds of other recommended varieties are available at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Rs 1,500 per 24-kg bag.
The experts also advised farmers to use fertilisers in major crops, vegetables and fruits based on soil testing reports. Referring to the soil and water testing laboratory established at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, they encouraged farmers to get their soil tested before sowing the upcoming paddy crop.
The scientists further stated that if the recommended quantity of DAP fertiliser had already been applied to the wheat crop, there is no need to apply additional phosphorus fertiliser to the succeeding paddy crop.
Horticulture Development Officers Dr. Simran Singh and Dr. Pradeep Singh also briefed the farmers about various schemes of the Horticulture Department.
At the end of the camp, agricultural experts answered farmers’ queries in a satisfactory manner.