Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), unveiled the foundation stone of the Mushroom Composting Unit at Dr HS Garcha Mushroom Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, PAU.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest Dr Gosal laid stress on the development of heat tolerant and browning resistant improved strains of mushrooms using biotechnological tool, particularly, Crisper-CAS. He impressed upon developing new technologies of mushroom production and its extension for the welfare of farmers. Lauding the efforts of the Department of Microbiology, he said that the Mushroom Composting Unit would go a long way in providing quality compost to the Punjab farmers, thereby, boosting mushroom production in the state.
Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research, remarked that mushroom cultivation was a profitable subsidiary occupation and had the potential to increase farmer’s income.
Dr Shammi Kapoor, Dean, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities (COBSH), highlighted the growth of mushroom research and outstanding contributions made by the department in fortifying mushroom cultivation since its inception.
Dr GPS Sodhi, Additional Director of Extension Education, highlighted the popularity of ready to fruit bags of mushroom compost among farmers and hoped that the newly constructed unit would improve the supply of quality compost to the state farmers.
In his welcome remarks, Dr GS Kocher, Head, Department of Microbiology, presented a brief account of Mushroom Composting Unit being constructed.
Dr Shivani Sharma, Mycologist (Mushrooms), proposed a vote of thanks, and Dr Jaspreet Kaur, Mycologist (Mushrooms), coordinated the programme.
Present on the occasion were Dr PK Chuneja, Dean of Postgraduate Studies; Dr MIS Gill, Dean, College of Horticulture and Forestry; Dr CS Aulakh, Dean, College of Agriculture; Dr Manjeet Singh, Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology; Dr Kiran Bains, Dean, College of Community Science; Dr GS Mangat, Additional Director of Research (Crop Improvement); Dr PK Khanna, former PAU Registrar; Dr RP Phutela, Ex-Senior Microbiologist; Dr HS Sodhi, Ex-Principal Mycologist; Dr Yogita Sharma, Librarian; and heads of various departments of COBSH.
Read more: https://www.pau.edu/index.php?_act=manageEvent&DO=viewEventDetail&dataE=datae&intID=8338
