KAPURTHALA: A webinar on National Pollution control day was organized by Pushpa Gujral Science City jointly with NABARD. More than 250 students, teachers, farmers participated in this webinar. Dr. Rajiv Siwach, Chief Manager, NABARD Punjab was the Guest of Hounor at this occasion. Addressing the participants, he said that owing to Covid-19 outbreak, innovative ways were being used to generate awareness among the farmers.
NABARD Punjab launched an extensive Crop Residue Management (CRM) awareness campaign entitled ‘Parali na Jalao- Parali Tau Kamao’ on 02.10.2020. He informed that under this campaign, three mobile vans fitted with audio-visual information and messages toured across the state and covered more than 4500 kms of Malwa, Majha and Doaba regions. Further, apart from NAFCC, NABARD has sanctioned a project this year to Punjab Agricultural University titled ‘Adaptation and impact assessment of Crop Residue management technologies in rice-wheat cropping system in Moga and Ferozpur districts’. The project envisages disseminating knowledge about in-situ management of crop residue through various mechanized tools viz, happy seeder, Super seeder, Mulcher etc.
Dr. Vinay Kumar Sehgal, Professor and Principal Scientist from Indian Agricultural Research Institute New Delhi, delivered a special talk on ”Monitoring and Assessment of crop residue burning using satellite remote sensing”. He said that with the onset of winter and farm fires, pollutants get trapped and can have harmful impacts, therefore, it is important to use technology to monitor and take appropriate mitigation measures. He also informed that IARI has worked on a bio-consortium of fungi which if sprayed, can enhance nutritive value of the soil and thus lead to reduction in stubble burning, as well as, help in controlling the ensuing pollution by undertaking different in-situ and ex-situ crop residue management options.
Dr. Neelima Jerath, Director General, Science City, speaking at the occasion said that as the world works to fight the corona pandemic, it is very important to consider minimizing additional risks such as poor air quality. She said that Science and technology offers important tools which not only can help in monitoring but also provide solutions which are environment friendly and economically viable. Mulching of organic residues in the soil was one of the best solutions available. Further, Paddy straw is a bio-resource which can be used as biofuel or to produce alcohol for use as an additive in petrol. She informed that a lot of research was undergoing in this area. Further, the Punjab Government is making lot of efforts to provide alternatives to burning and for creating awareness among the farmers.
Dr. Rajesh Grover, Director Science City said that the stubble burning has implications in terms of climate change, health costs as well as disruptions in economic activities in the affected regions. It is a great challenge for the scientists to manage crop residues effectively and efficiently for enhancing sequestration of carbon and maintaining the sustainability of production.
An online slogan writing competition on 'Save Environment' is also being organized at this occasion for students and public. the results of the competition would be declared on 10-12-2020. Attractive prizes will be awarded to winners.