Special Radio Talk on “Advanced Rabi Crop Farming” by TMU Faculty
Dr Anil Kumar Chaudhary, Assistant Professor of Genetics and Plant Breeding at Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, presented a special radio session on “Rabi Fasalon ki Unnat Krishi Kriyaen” (Advanced Rabi Crop Farming) on All India Radio, Prasar Bharati.
The programme aimed to provide farmers with practical skills on how to increase crop productivity and enhance soil health, as well as learn sustainable farming methods for Rabi crops such as wheat, mustard, chickpea, and potato.
Dr Chaudhary also focused on how scientific approaches to farming can be combined with traditional ones to increase productivity, environmental sustainability, and the incomes of farmers.
Key Insights Shared by Dr A.K. Chaudhary on Rabi Farming
Importance of Timely Sowing and Improved Varieties
Dr Chaudhary emphasised that timely sowing is an important key to the successful growth of Rabi crops. Timely sowing would give maximum germination, optimal nutrient uptake and resistance against pests and diseases. Crops such as wheat, mustard, chickpea, and potato require crop-specific sowing schedules to achieve maximum productivity.
He also highlighted the use of high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties, which not only improve yields but also reduce dependence on chemical pesticides. As an example, some types of wheat and mustard are resistant to rust and blight, whereas drought-tolerant chickpea varieties can be used in water-deficient areas.
Balanced Fertilisation and Soil Health Management
Soil testing and nutrient management were major topics discussed. According to Chaudhary, soil testing and application of balanced fertiliser guarantees adequate nutrition for crops, prevents excessive use of chemicals, and conserves soil fertility in the long term.
He also advised problem-solving biofertilizers, organic manure, and vermicompost to be used with chemical fertilisers to enhance the soil's structure and microbial activity, as well as increase nutrient availability. These practices enhance crop productivity and foster environmentally sustainable agriculture.
Practices of scientific irrigation.
Water management is very crucial to the crop success of Rabi. Dr Chaudhary proposed to schedule irrigation scientifically with modern irrigation methods such as drip and sprinkler systems in order to save water, avoid waterlogging and provide even soils with water.
In crops such as potatoes, he emphasised the need to irrigate them at the right time to have quality tubers and yield. Climate-resistant practices, i.e. mulching and intercropping, were also promoted by him to minimise the effects of weather changes such as unseasonal rains or frost.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Dr Chaudhary discussed the concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to manage pests sustainably. His advice was frequent observation, early identification and utilisation of biopesticides, neem-based products and trap crops rather than depending on excessive use of chemical pesticides.
This method decreases the damage to useful insects, maintains soil quality, and eliminates resistance of pests, which ensures the protection of crops in the long term, and the balance of nature is maintained.
Improving the Awareness and Profitability of Farmers
The goals of the radio talk were to enable farmers to have practical solutions to their problems, such as unequal germination, a shortage of nutrients, and pest attacks. Dr Chaudhary urged farmers to use government schemes as well as cooperatives and digital platforms to get access to quality seeds, fertilisers, and market information, and this finally enhanced the productivity and profitability.
The Role of TMU in Extension in Agriculture
The special session is part of TMU's ongoing agricultural extension programs. The university, through the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) P.K. Jain, Dean, College of Agricultural Sciences, helps to fill the gap between research and practice of farming.
Prof. Jain emphasised, “Radio programmes, field demonstrations, and training workshops are crucial to provide farmers with actionable knowledge. TMU is committed to enhancing the interaction between research innovations and real-world agriculture.
Conclusion
The radio talk with Dr. Anil Kumar Chaudhary on futuristic farming practices for Rabi crops emphasised the importance of integrating scientific knowledge with sustainable farming techniques. TMU continues to empower farmers to better their crop production, soil quality, and profits through advancing timely sowing, superior varieties, balanced fertilisation, scientific irrigation, and community pest management.
Such initiatives strengthen the belief in knowledge-based agriculture and the introduction of environmentally friendly and affordable farming methods by TMU. The university reaches out to farmers via such media as the All India Radio, which makes sure that realistic agricultural knowledge is available to small- and large-scale farmers within the region.
