Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, initiated a four-day workshop of the All India Joint Research Project in collaboration with ICAR’s National Research Center on Farming Systems, Modipuram, today at Pal Auditorium. The event, held every two years, brings together agricultural scientists, experts, and stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on sustainable farming practices and chart a future roadmap for Indian agriculture. The workshop aims to evaluate the current agricultural landscape, foster innovation, and promote integrated farming systems as a solution to environmental and economic challenges.
The inaugural session saw PAU Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, as the Chief Guest, joined by ICAR Deputy Director General, Dr. S.K. Chaudhary; PAU Registrar, Dr. Rishipal Singh (IAS); ICAR-ATARI Director, Dr. Parvinder Sheron; ICAR-Directorate of Maize Research Director, Dr. Hanuman Sahai Jat; ICAR-Modipuram Director, Dr. Sunil Kumar; Project Coordinator, Dr. N. Ravi Shankar; and PAU Director of Research, Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt.
In his address, Dr. Gosal highlighted the workshop’s significance in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices through integrated farming systems. He shared PAU’s efforts in adopting integrated models for 300 farmers, ensuring environmental sustainability, improved human health, and enhanced profitability. Dr. Gosal emphasized the need for innovative approaches to diversify crops and improve agricultural self-reliance.
Dr. S.K. Chaudhary, in his keynote address, called the workshop a historic event and emphasized the necessity of shifting agricultural practices beyond productivity to ensure nutritional security and sustainable development. He urged scientists to explore market-driven, resource-efficient farming methods to transform Indian agriculture.
Dr. Sunil Kumar elaborated on the need for innovative farming systems to balance food production, nutritional security, and environmental conservation. He praised the contributions of project centers in developing sustainable solutions and stressed the importance of conserving natural resources.
The workshop included the presentation of the 2023-24 progress report by Project Coordinator, Dr. N. Ravi Shankar, who detailed the project’s achievements and future plans for integrated farming systems. Participants also witnessed the release of the project’s annual report, newly published literature, and video documentaries showcasing agricultural diversity activities in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Odisha, and Maharashtra.
The event was enriched with remarks from PAU Director of Research, Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between research institutions and farming communities. He called for focused efforts on developing sustainable community-based farming models to support small and medium-scale farmers. ICAR-Maize Research Director, Dr. Hanuman Sahai Jat, urged agricultural scientists to identify innovative solutions to address climate change’s impacts on farming.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sohan Singh Walia, while Dr. Hina Goel, coordinated the event.
Over the course of four days, experts and stakeholders will engage in discussions to devise actionable strategies for sustainable agriculture, ensuring that Indian farming remains resilient in the face of growing challenges.
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