Annual Group Meet On Rabi Pulses Concludes At PAU

Ludhiana, September 3, 2015: The farm experts from Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi and other agricultural institutions lauded the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) for the successful organization of the twin events “Brain Storming Session on Promotion of Pulses in Indo-Gangetic Plains of India” – cum- “Annual Group Meet on Rabi Pulses (Chickpea and MULLaRP) 2015.” Both the events concluded today, at PAU, amidst the participation of nearly 250 delegates from different parts of the country.

There were in total three technical sessions in brain storming meet and eight technical sessions in annual group meet. The experts deliberated on the prospects and potential of pulses in crop diversification, resource conservation techniques, mechanization and development issues, crop improvement, crop production, crop protection, and germplasm and breeder seed production. Besides, there was a dedicated session on frontline demonstrations and other developmental issues. During the event, a poster session was also held in which around 120 scientists presented their research work.

Chairing the plenary session, Dr B.B. Singh, Assistant Director General (Oilseeds & Pulses), ICAR, expressed his gratitude to PAU VC and the organizers for make the group meet a great success. “To take a leap ahead in achieving the targets of pulses production, PAU has taken a lead by holding this meet in association with all stakeholders to formulate future research programme,” he said. Dr Singh futher said that it is a matter of pride that PAU and ICAR are on one platform to strengthen the research on pulses in India.

During the meet, Dr Sanjeev Gupta and Dr G.P. Dixit presented project coordinator’s report on MULLaRP and Chickpea projects, respectively. Dr Dixit co-chaired the plenary session.

Dr K.S. Thind, Head, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, PAU said that efforts should be made for creation of necessary infrastructure and efficient execution of pulses development schemes to provide favourable condition for their cultivation.

Dr Jagmeet Kaur, Incharge Pulses Section, PAU said that the scientific deliberations during this four day meet has lead to several recommendations which will streamline future action plan on pulses research. Later, she proposed the vote of thanks.

On the occasion, the dignitaries were honoured with the mementos.