Jalandhar: A two-day training programme for farmers was held in Mandiala village under the Unnat Krishi Yojana to promote improved sugarcane cultivation practices, officials said, The Tribune reported.
The programme was organised by the Sugarcane Branch of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Punjab. The training was conducted under the directions of Cane Commissioner Dr Amrik Singh and led by Project Officer (Sugarcane), Jalandhar, Dr Mandhir Singh.
Several experts participated in the programme, including Assistant Sugarcane Development Officer Dr Gurcharan Singh; insect scientist Dr Yuvraj Singh; crop scientist Dr Jashanjot Kaur from the Sugarcane Research Centre in Kapurthala; Principal Scientist Dr Anuradha from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana; and Dr Maninder Singh. The experts shared information with farmers on sugarcane cultivation methods, pest and disease control, intercropping practices, and government welfare schemes.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Gurcharan Singh said the Punjab government is working to raise sugarcane yield per hectare to improve farmers’ income. He said demonstration plots are being set up across the state to help farmers adopt better farming practices and strengthen their economic condition. He added that the Unnat Krishi Yojana aims to increase crop production, restore soil health, improve farm incomes, and support nutritional security through assistance for crop production, technology, and seeds. As part of the scheme, awareness programmes and training sessions are being organised regularly.
Dr Gurcharan Singh also said sugarcane is Punjab’s fourth major cash crop after wheat, paddy, and cotton, and continues to provide income to farmers despite challenging weather conditions. He said the government has launched initiatives such as demonstration plots and awareness camps focusing on improved sowing methods, intercropping, and mulching to increase productivity per hectare. These activities are being carried out in authorised areas linked to various sugar mills across the state.
Project Officer Dr Mandhir Singh said sugarcane cultivation can become more profitable by improving productivity per hectare. He added that farmers are being encouraged to adopt newer farming methods to achieve higher yields.
