Delegation From Kenya, Liberia And Malawi Visits PAU

Ludhiana, July 28, 2015: A 38-member delegation from Kenya, Liberia and Malawi visited the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today to acquaint themselves with the research and extension programmes of the University. The visiting delegation met Dr Balwinder Singh, Director of Research; and interacted with Dr J.S. Dhiman, Additional Director of Research (Natural Resource and Plant Health Management); Dr G.S. Buttar, Additional Director of Extension Education and an agronomy expert; and Dr Chander Mohan, Additional Director Communication.

Highlighting the research programmes of PAU, Dr Dhiman said, “Punjab is a small state with 1.5 per cent geographical area, 98 per cent irrigated area and 190 per cent cropping intensity.” The state has contributed tremendously to the nation’s food security, he said. Although agriculture in Punjab has attained a high stage of productivity, yet innovations are still steering ahead, he observed. Further, Dr Dhiman said, “PAU has played a motherly role in green revolution, emerged leader in conservation agriculture and farm mechanization, pioneered work in apiculture, and has strong crop improvement programme.” Dr Dhiman also told, “A total of 37 international students from 19 countries are pursuing agricultural education at PAU.”

Referring to the extension network of PAU, Dr Buttar said the Directorate of Extension Education aims at planning and organizing trainings, and disseminating latest research findings among the farmers, farm women, entrepreneurs, and extension personnel. There are as many as 17 Krishi Vigyan Kendras and 16 Farm Advisory Services functioning across the Punjab for the benefit of farming community, he added. Dr Buttar also informed about various extension activities like Kisan Melas, field days, field demonstrations, exhibitions, campaigns, etc.

Earlier, Dr Chander Mohan welcomed the senior officials of PAU and the delegation members. He said, “The visit of the delegation to PAU is a part of US-India-Africa trilateral partnership programme, under which they are being provided training on agricultural extension.” He also acquainted the delegation with the farm issues such as water depletion, deteriorating soil health, climate change, and crop residue management. He said transferring of the timely farm technologies to the real end users- the farmers is one of the top priority areas of PAU.

Dr V.P. Sharma, Director and Chairman, Agri-Knowledge Management, National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad accompanied the delegation.