PAU develops ‘Ludo’ for rice technology, cotton cultivation

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 23

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has developed ‘Ludo’ game for direct-seeded rice (DSR) technology and acquiring a higher yield from cotton cultivation. The game has been developed by Dr Anil Sharma, assistant director, Communication Centre, and his team.

Dr Anil Sharma said: “In layman’s language, it is an effort to educate farmers about the tar-wattar direct-seeded rice technology, which is water as well as labour saving.”

Dr Jaskarn Singh Mahal, director of Extension Education, PAU, said the university scientists were making all-out efforts to update the knowledge of farmers.

“Ludo, which comprises snakes and ladders, is a unique concept in relation to agricultural practices,” he said, adding it included PAU’s recommendations regarding DSR technology.

Dr Mahal advised that if the DSR technology was practiced on medium- to heavy-textured soils in the first fortnight of June by adopting short duration varieties, using 8 to 10 kg seed per acre and giving first irrigation after 21 days of sowing, then the technology would yield better results and farmers would be on the winning side in the game.

“If farmers adopt the technology on light-textured soils (sandy and loamy sand), use long duration varieties and more seed, and apply spray on dry fields to manage weeds, then they will be penalised. If the members of the family play Ludo, it will lead to curiosity, for which there is a booklet also,” he added.

Dr TS Riar, additional director (Communication) presented the first set of Ludo to Dr Mahal and said the game would motivate youngsters to practice farming as per PAU recommendations. This would also contribute in conserving natural resources and protecting the environment, he added.

Dr Tiar informed that the second Ludo on cotton cultivation provided information on the dos and don’ts to be followed for successful cultivation of cotton.