The Former Vice-Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu; and SKUAST, Kashmir, Prof J.P. Sharma held a meeting with the Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Dr Satbir Singh Gosal during his recent visit to the agri-varsity at Ludhiana.
Welcoming the SKUAST VC, Dr Gosal shared the valuable insights regarding the research, teaching and extension programmes of PAU. Pointing out the persistent challenges of natural resource depletion, erratic weather patterns, and descending farm income, the PAU VC said that the prime focus was on developing non-water intensive and climate-resilient crop varieties and agricultural technologies that could save water, combat insect-pests and diseases, cut input costs and augment farm income. Besides, emphasis was also on skill enhancement and entrepreneurship development through the adoption of subsidiary occupations to help rural and urban population witness economic growth, he added. Being ranked number one among agri-varsities of India in NIRF Rankings 2024, Dr Gosal said that PAU’s tremendous role in the development of more than 950 crop varieties, effective extension mechanism, quality agricultural education, and upgraded social media links has enabled it to climb the ladder of success and fortify its ties with the farmers at the grassroot level. Further, he informed SKUAST VC about the rising popularity of PAU developed wheat variety PBW 826 at the national level, especially, in Jammu.
Dr Sharma, while commending PAU for its unmatched outstanding contributions to agriculture and allied sector, dwelled upon the achievements of SKUAST in research management, innovative extension models and entrepreneurship development for livelihood security of the farmers. Farmers of Jammu and Kashmir were dedicated to agriculture, he observed, while referring to their remarkable contribution to the horticulture development through fruit, flower and vegetable cultivation as well as saffron growing.
Dr TS Riar, Additional Director Communication, while proposing a vote of thanks, talked about the faster technology dissemination through enhanced print, electronic and social media links of PAU. The Kisan Melas have been the much sought after by the farming community of Punjab and adjoining states, he said, adding that PAU has also been a skill training hub for the farmers of Jammu and Kashmir and other national and international farmers.
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