Annual function of PAU Kisan Club held; use farm inputs as per need: Dr Dhillon

Ludhiana, April 3, 2015: Around 400 farmers and farm women from various parts of Punjab attended the annual function of PAU Kisan Club on the University campus today. On the occasion, Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU was the chief guest. Besides, Dr Jatinderpal Singh, ADC (Development), Moga; and Dr O.P. Yadav, Director, Directorate of Maize Research (DMR) also participated in the function.

Addressing the farmers, Dr Dhillon expressed concern over the issues of declining water resources, deteriorating soil health, shrinking land holdings, excessive use of farm inputs, and weather disturbances. He urged the farming community to use farm inputs as per requirement, maintain proper record of farm expenses and avoid sowing unrecommended crop varieties. “With the rising paddy-wheat production in other states, farmers should adopt diversified agriculture,” he said. Dr Dhillon highlighted, “PAU has always aimed at providing best service and guidance to the farmers by developing new crop varieties and disseminating need-based agriculture technologies to them.” He lauded the club for its growing membership and for providing timely scientific guidance to the farmers.

Dr. Yadav praised the Punjab farmers for their urge to adopt new technologies. He said the shifting of DMR to Ladhowal, Ludhiana will boost the maize programme in the state.

Dr Balwinder Singh, Director of Research, PAU, while highlighting the research accomplishments of PAU, said the University has recommended/developed 750 crop varieties/hybrids till date. The present research is focusing on nearly 100 crops, he added. Besides, Dr Singh highlighted the characteristics of newly released crop varieties alongwith their matching production-protection technologies. He advised the farmers to grow crops requiring less water, and make wise use of water for domestic and agricultural purposes.

Earlier, Dr R.S. Sidhu, Director of Extension Education, PAU welcomed the dignitaries, farmers and the farm women. He praised the PAU Kisan Club for equipping the farmers with University evolved farm techniques and technologies. “The major purpose of PAU’s research and extension is to solve the problems of the farmers by disseminating the latest research findings to them,” he added.

Dr G.S. Chahal, Executive Director, Reviving Green Revolution Cell, stressed on reducing the farm expenditures by seeking advice from the farm experts. He also called for a close farmer-scientist relationship. Besides, he shed light on various activities of Sir Ratan Tata Trust and role of Kheti Doots in farm development.

Pardeep Sharma, Executive Manager, Punjab- Agro highlighted the national pension scheme.

Ajit Singh Aujla, President of the club, presented the annual report of the club with thrust on mandate and achievements.

Dr T.S. Riar, Coordinator of the club, highlighted the activities of the club and anchored the programme.

During the function, PAU experts namely Dr SPS Brar, Dr RIS Gill, and Dr Ramandeep Singh delivered lectures on scope of maize hybrid seed production in Punjab, scope of agro-forestry, and agricultural marketing practices. Later, farmers were given away prizes. An exhibition was also put up on the occasion.