Themed as “Kudarati somey bachao, sab laiye khushali liyao” (Save natural resources, bring prosperity for all), PAU kisan Mela at Gurdaspur, focused on promoting the conservation of essential natural resources like water, soil, and air to ensure Punjab’s sustainable future. The mela attracted vibrant participation from farmers and saw significant purchases of high-quality rabi crop seeds developed by PAU. The mela also featured numerous stalls, ranging from agro-technologies to domestic products for purchase, exhibitions, demonstration fields, self-help groups counters, all contributing to its overall success. Sh. Lal Chand Kataruchak, Food and Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs & Forest Minister, Punjab served as the chief guest at the occasion and Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice Chancellor, PAU presided over the mela. Among other dignitaries Sh. Karamjeet Singh, PCS, SDM, Gurdaspur, S. Hardyal Singh Gaznipur, Member, Board of Management, PAU, S. Gurdeep Singh Randhawa, Dera Baba Nanak, S. Shamsher Singh Dinanagar, S. Honey Behl, Progressive Farmer were present as Guests of Honour. The occasion witnessed an inauguration of a seed sale centre at Research Station, Gurdaspur by Food and Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs & Forest Minister and Vice Chancellor, PAU.
The Chief Guest, Sh. Lal Chand Kataruchak, expressed his pleasure at the strong turnout of farmers at the Kisan Mela in Gurdaspur. He voiced his confidence in the agricultural technology developed by the university and encouraged farmers to leverage the expertise of PAU scientists to enhance their farming outcomes. He reassured the farming community of the state government’s dedication to their advancement and the vision of reviving Punjab as ‘Rangla Punjab.’ Emphasizing that agriculture is the backbone of society, he viewed Kisan Melas as vital platforms for updating farmers’ knowledge and encouraged farmers to adopt new technologies to meet the evolving needs and challenges of the sector. Acknowledging their hard work, he urged farmers to strengthen their connections with regional PAU research stations.
In his keynote address, PAU Vice Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal highlighted the critical issue of declining groundwater levels and deteriorating soil health, stressing the need for constant efforts such as avoiding water-intensive crops and preventing stubble burning. He urged farmers to embrace PAU’s advanced agro-technologies such as Surface seeder, diversify crop cultivation, engage in food processing, and explore subsidiary occupations to make farming more profitable and sustainable. He emphasized responsible water use, the adoption of biofertilizers, and judicious farm input management while cautioning against excessive pesticide use. He also urged farmers to explore the stalls for information on university-recommended seed varieties, particularly highlighting PBW 826 for its success and popularity. Recognizing Gurdaspur as a key region for sugarcane production, he proposed establishing a dedicated Sugarcane Center in the area and discussed upcoming agricultural policy designed with farmers’ interests at heart.
To access valuable agricultural information for farmers, Dr Gosal highlighted the importance of using PAU’s social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Kheti Sandesh +91 82880 57707 (PAU’s digital newspaper), TV, and radio programs. Further, he pressed upon the need to engage younger generation in farming to inculcate their interest and connection with their agricultural heritage.
Hardyal Singh Gaznipur, a member of the Board of Management at PAU, credited the success of Punjab’s farmers to the university’s ongoing support and praised its faculty for their willingness to address farmers’ challenges.
Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research at PAU, outlined the university’s current research initiatives and recommendations for new crop varieties, production technologies, and plant protection strategies for the upcoming Rabi season. He recommended several new varieties, including PBW Biscuit-1, for domestic and commercial biscuit production, and others such as PBW Chapati-1, designed for home kitchen use; PHR 127 (Raya Mustard); PGSH 2155 (Gobhi Mustard); and OL17 (Oats). For production technologies, he suggested using underground water pipe drip irrigation systems for cotton and Gobhi mustard to conserve water and recommended raised bed cultivation to prevent waterlogging in red lentils during the summer. Additionally, he advised using the pesticide ‘Takat’ to guard wheat crops against yellow rust in semi-hilly areas.
In the field of plant protection technologies for organic farming, Dr. Dhatt recommended Blue traps to protect summer moong from Thrips during flowering and Neem-based sprays to address aphid attack in oilseed crops. He also advocated for the preservation of stubble in fields, warning that burning it destroys microorganisms and depletes soil nutrients. He highlighted the importance of water-saving techniques, recommending varieties like PR127, PR126, and Basmati 1509 to improve efficiency. To help reduce farming costs, he urged the use of improved seed kits developed by the university.
Harcharan Singh Kang, Sub-divisional Soil Conservation Officer, informed farmers about various water supply schemes implemented by the Punjab Government to address irrigation concerns, encouraging them to take advantage of these initiatives.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr. Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension Education at PAU, reaffirmed the university’s dedication to improving agricultural productivity through innovative crop varieties and technologies. He stressed the importance of skill development as a solution to unemployment and urged farmers to participate in PAU’s agriculture-related training programs.
Dr. T.S. Riar, Additional Director of Communication, coordinated the event and highlighted PAU’s efforts to disseminate critical agricultural information through various media channels. He encouraged farmers to take full advantage of PAU’s expertise by connecting through social media and digital platforms.
A vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Harpal Singh Randhawa, Director, PAU Regional Research Station, Gurdaspur.
Among the progressive farmers honoured for their outstanding achievements in farming and allied sectors were S. Yudhveer Singh (village Dalla), S. Gurdeep Singh (Village Thamman), S. Gursimranjeet Singh (Village Mustafabad jattan), S. Beerpal singh (Village, Panjgarai), Shri Sidharth Chandra (Village Nawa Pind Sardaran), S. Gurpal Singh Sidhu (Village Masanian), S. Gurjeet Singh (Village Bhaini Miyan Khan), S. Kuljeet Singh (Village Saraspur, Dhariwal), S. Amarjeet Singh (Village lalpur), Shri Prem Nath Sharma (Village Magrala).
The mela concluded with a vibrant performance of Bhangra presented by students.
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