LUDHIANA: The Punjab Agricultural University is all set to hold “77thAnnual Convention of Indian Society of Soil Science” from December 3-6 in the Pal Auditorium. S. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Minister of Finance, Punjab, will inaugurate the convention, being organized to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Year of the PAU. Nearly 400 farm experts from diverse fields will participate in the convention.
The Vice-Chancellor of PAU, Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon said that the indiscriminate use of resources has resulted into many second generation problems in the post-green revolution era, particularly, in the intensively cultivated areas of the country.
This is evident from increased land degradation, ground water imbalances, impaired soil health, declining factor productivity, contamination of food and environmental pollution, he pointed out.
Expressing that the situation is likely to get worsen as a consequence of global warming and the associated climate change impacts, Dr Dhillon highlighted that the PAU is making consistent efforts in not only enhancing the crop productivity, but also in improving the soil health and recharging groundwater with full support of the state government.
He stated that the four-day convention will provide a platform to the farm experts to formulate strategies for soil and water management in the region, in general, and the state, in particular.
Giving programme contours, Dr U.S. Sadana, Head, Department of Soil Science and Organizing Secretary of the Convention, said that 10 technical sessions will be held. The convention is expected to witness about 390 oral and poster presentations.
He added that the soil and water resource base deserves special attention, especially, in the Punjab state where water tables are declining at an alarming rate and the soils are being over-mined of their inherent fertility. The convention aims at addressing various farm related issues, he told.
Dr S.S. Kukal, Secretary of Ludhiana Chapter of Indian Society of Soil Science, informed that a special symposium on “Efficient Water Management in Agriculture” will also be organized to discuss water related issues.
