Training course in gardening

Training course in gardening

Ludhiana: A three-day gardener training course, organised by department of fruit science at the skill development centre, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) concluded on Thursday. Harminder Singh, head, Department of Fruit Science, was the chief guest for the programme. He highlighted the importance of horticulture and exhorted the trainees to become self-sufficient. JS Brar, course coordinator, presented the detailed report of the training course. A representative from the Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI), Rituraj Singh Sidhu, threw light on training courses being conducted by the ASCI. He explained the development of hybrids, vegetable cultivation, nursery raising of vegetables, nursery production of flowers, decorative plants and landscaping. Experts also answered the doubts of the participants during the session.

Trip to maize field

The maize section of department of plant breeding and genetics, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), organised a one-day maize field day on a maize experimental area, PAU, to strengthen ties with hybrid seed producing private companies. Research and development, and marketing representatives from private seed companies attend the trip. NS Bains, director of research, laid emphasis on the need of high productivity hybrids to narrow down the economic benefits between maize and rice to strengthen diversification plans. JS Chawla, in-charge of maize section, apprised participants of the performance of PAU-released pipeline hybrids. KS Thind, additional director of research, informed the participants about the guidelines set up for an MoU with PAU and encouraged them to tie up with the university for hybrid seed production. —TNS