ISAE Convention at PAU: Develop machines for conserved use of natural resources- Dr Kalkat

Ludhiana, February 23, 2015: To celebrate 50 years of professional excellence of the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology (COAE&T), Punjab Agricultural University (PAU); a three-day “49th Annual Convention of Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers (ISAE) and Symposium on Engineering Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Processing” began on the University campus today. Delegates from across the country and abroad such as USA, Canada and Japan are participating in the convention, jointly organised by COAE&T and ISAE.

In his inaugural address, the chief guest Dr G.S.Kalkat, Chairman, Punjab State Farmers’ Commission and former PAU Vice-Chancellor, said that engineering knowledge must be applied to come up with new and advanced technologies in the farm sector. Voicing concern over scarcity of water, food, energy and issue of climate change, he emphasized on devising technologies and strategies which prevent losses and enhance productivity. Dr Kalkat said that machines should be developed for the precise, judicious, balanced and conserved use of natural resources and other farm inputs. To bring about an evergreen revolution, adoption of precision farming techniques and technologies for producing crops is essential, he said. Dr Kalkat congratulated COAE&T on its Golden Jubilee Year.

Presiding over the convention, Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU said that farm machinery has played a vital role in performing timely operations and increasing productivity. Besides, agricultural engineering plays a crucial role in the conservation of soil and water, management of crop residue and in addressing various farm issues, he observed. Therefore, machinery and technologies need to be developed for the conservation of natural resources and for growing alternative crops, he emphasized. Dr Dhillon called for close collaboration among the foreign countries, farm institutions and private sector in order to give a boost to agri-engineering.

Dr V.M. Mayande, President of ISAE, pointed out, “Inspite of development in agriculture; issues of poverty, malnutrition, and farmers’ suicides still exist.” Emerging domestic as well as global farm issues of water scarcity and climate change need to be resolved collectively, he said, while urging for paying attention to condition of small farmers also. He appreciated COAE&T for its tremendous contribution in bringing in green revolution, and increasing productivity.

Terry Howell, President, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, underlined the need to focus on global issues of food and water security, and climate change.

Earlier, Dr J.S. Mahal, Dean, COAE&T welcomed the guests and the delegates. Stating that many new challenges are staring in the face of contemporary farming, he underlined the need to find out ways for sustainable agriculture. The need of the hour is to work in collaboration for capacity building and enhancing skill set of task oriented cross functional teams to provide advanced farming solutions for achieving maximum productivity and prosperity, he added.

Dr Vishal Bector, Associate Professor, Agricultural Engineering, conducted the programme.

Dr A.K. Singh, Organising Secretary, ISAE proposed the vote of thanks. On the occasion, three ISAE Mason Vaugh Pioneer Awards, two ISAE Gold Medals, nine ISAE Fellowships, five Commendation Medals, two ISAE Team Awards, three distinguish service certificates, three ISAE Paper Awards, two ISAE Outstanding Book Awards and one ISAE Best Chapter Award were presented. Dr Indra Mani and Dr A.K. Srivastava of ISAE coordinated the award ceremony.