On the second day of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)14.09.2024, Kisan Mela witnessed an impressive gathering of farmers, academics, and industry experts, all focused on advancing agricultural practices. The event showcased cutting-edge technologies designed to boost productivity and sustainability in farming.
Dr Sukhpal Singh, Chairman of the Punjab State Farmers & Farm Workers Commission, graced the event as Chief Guest, while Dr Ram Chand, Former Additional Director General (ICAR), served as Guest of Honour. They were welcomed alongside dignitaries such as Dr. D.S. Cheema, Dr. Ashok Kumar, S. Hardyal Singh Gajnipur, Members of the PAU Board of Management. Advocate Deepak Agnihotri, along with PAU faculty, staff, and students, also attended, further enhancing the spirit of collaboration. The day began with a tour of agro-industrial exhibitions and field demonstrations, displaying PAU’s latest research and technological innovations.
During the formal proceedings, Dr Sukhpal Singh announced plans for a reformed agricultural policy to provide relief to farmers, critiquing the current MSP model and advocating for a 50% increase. He emphasized strengthening cooperative societies and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and introduced the “Pani Bachao, Paisa Kamao” initiative to conserve water while rewarding farmers for sustainable practices. Dr Singh also addressed the issue of farmer suicides and encouraged young farmers to utilize their time productively by engaging in PAU’s skilling programs rather than turning to unhealthy habits.
Guest of Honour Dr. Ram Chand lauded PAU’s role in agricultural research and reminisced his student days during the Indo-Pak war. He praised PAU’s contributions to the Green Revolution and urged farmers to resist private melas, highlighting PAU as the “Mecca for farmers.” Dr Chand called for diversification in crop patterns and stressed the need to conserve water, soil, and air for future generations.
PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting farmers by developing climate-smart, disease-resistant crop varieties and promoting water conservation technologies. He highlighted PAU Kisan Mela’s status as the world’s largest and expressed gratitude for the overwhelming turnout. Dr Gosal also urged farmers to refrain from overusing electricity for irrigation, instead relying on canal water and planting more fruit trees to conserve natural resources.
The Director of Extension Education, Dr. M.S. Bhullar, welcomed dignitaries and farmers, emphasizing PAU’s focus on helping farmers increase profitability through self-marketing and primary processing. Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, introduced new crop varieties, including the nutritious ‘Punjab Chapati’ wheat, and showcased PAU’s latest innovations in farm machinery and water conservation techniques.
With his affable yet assertive demeanor, Dr Tejinder Singh Riar, Additional Director of Communication, engaged the farmers and coordinated the day’s proceedings. The day concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, where farmers were recognized for their outstanding contributions and a vote of thanks by Dr. T.S. Dhillon, Additional Director of Extension Education. Throughout the event, farmers engaged with experts, exploring innovations and gaining insights into sustainable farming practices.
Read more: https://www.pau.edu/index.php?_act=manageEvent&DO=viewEventDetail&dataE=datae&intID=9623
