Agronomy practices of rural farmers of SAS district of Punjab

Introduction

Agronomy, the science of soil management and crop production, plays a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for food has escalated, necessitating efficient farming practices. This research paper aims to analyze the agronomic practices utilized by farmers, understanding how these practices impact crop yield and sustainability. The focus will be on critical areas such as soil preparation, crop rotation, irrigation strategies, fertilization, pest management, and harvesting methods. By examining these practices, the study seeks to identify challenges faced by farmers and propose solutions to enhance agricultural productivity. The collection of agronomy practices data was carried out by RAWE students through a structured questionnaire in the villages of Dhianpur, Kakrali, Dhangrali, Khairpur and Dhanauri in the Kukrali district of Punjab. This process involved personal interviews conducted by the students, with all information recorded at the University Institute of Agricultural Science at Chandigarh University in Gharuan, Punjab. Utilizing a quantitative approach, the survey encompassed 120 households, including farmers, laborers, and business operators. Data was gathered through both door-to-door interviews and community group discussions, providing a thorough insight into the agricultural practices adopted by the residents of these rural areas. The Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) program serves to bridge the gap between theoretical agricultural knowledge and practical field experience. This initiative provides students with the opportunity to engage directly with farmers, enabling them to gain a comprehensive understanding of rural agronomy practices while applying modern agricultural practices. The primary objective of RAWE is to cultivate skilled professionals who can contribute to enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting rural development. Through the RAWE survey, students conduct field visits in rural areas, where they collect data on agronomy practices. The program encompasses a range of activities, including farm observations, evaluations of crop management techniques, soil testing, pest control demonstrations, and farmer interviews. These hands-on experiences offer valuable insights into the intricacies of rural agriculture, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address contemporary agricultural challenges effectively.

Methodology

This research was carried out as part of the Rural Agricultural Work Experience Program (RAWE) in five designated villages: Dhianpur, Kakrali, Dhangrali, Khairpur, and Dhanauri, located in the Kukrali district of Punjab. A structured questionnaire was administered to survey a total of 120 farmers, aiming to collect data on their agronomy practices, including land holding, irrigation practices, manure and fertilizers, seed sowing method, livestock and poultry, pest and diseases management and access to various resources. The gathered data will be analyzed to determine the percentage of different factors using the following formula:

Where N= total number of respondents in 5 villages i.e., 120 n= number of respondents in specific village.

Results and Discussion

The data was analyzed across various factors and topics, including

Source of seed

According to the survey, 70 percent of the farmers buy their seeds from private shops of morinda and kharar, 25 percent of farmers use their own seeds and 5 percent buy them from SAUs; such as PAU.

Seed treatment

According to the survey, it was found that 60 percent of farmers used seeds which were already treated and 25 percent of farmer used seeds which were not treated at all.

Irrigation facility

According to the survey, 90 percent of the farmers had their own irrigation system and 10 percent farmers did not have their own irrigation system and borrowed it from other farmers.

Sowing method

According to the survey, we found that 55 percent of the farmers use broad casting method for seed sowing of wheat and 25 percent used seed drill for seed sowing , whereas for rice 90 percent of the people used transplantation for seed sowing.

Livestock and poultry possessed by farmers

According to the survey, it was found that 95 percent of the farmers had livestock mainly cow and buffalo, 75 percent of the farmers sell milk and 25 percent of them kept it for their own personal use. The farmers were also asked whether they had any awareness about government schemes, but only 35 percent of them knew about it, 95 percent of the farmers knew about the disease of the animal.

The farmers were also questioned about the sheds of animal, we found that almost all farmers had shed for their animals and kept their sheds clean and tidy. 100 percent of the farmers knew about the vaccination available for the animals and they were also getting their animal vaccinated.

Owned machinery

Machinery is one of important input used in today's agriculture.

Farmers buy machinery for their use and put it on rent depending on their capital. In survey of five villages, only 25 percent of farmers have their own machinery and 75 percent farmers uses machinery on rent. In conclusion, the paper emphasizes the need for initiatives to enhance farmers' access to modern inputs and technologies. Improved agricultural extension services, capacity-building programs and stronger government support are critical for boosting productivity and sustainability in these villages. By addressing these challenges, the agricultural sector in SAS district can see significant improvement in both yield and longterm viability.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgmentWe sincerely thank the farmers of Dhianpur, Kakrali, Dhangrali, Khairpur and Dhanauri for their cooperation and valuable insights during this study. We also extend our gratitude to the University Institute of Agricultural Science, Chandigarh University, for providing the necessary support and resources and to the RAWE students for their dedication in conducting the surveys and interviews. Lastly, we are grateful to our mentors and colleagues for their guidance throughout this research.

References

1. Gupta P, Sharma M. Modern techniques in agronomy: A case study in Punjab. Int J Agric Sci. 2020;92(4):312-20. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167880 921004515
2. Singh G, Kaur H. Irrigation methods and fertilizer use in rural Punjab. J Water Soil Manag. 2018;17(2):145-52.