PAU Biocontrol Lab Rechristened Dr.GS Kalkat Laboratories

Ludhiana, March 3, 2016:In recognition of the significant contributions made by Dr Gurcharan Singh Kalkat presently chairman Punjab Kisan Commission to agricultural development, policymaking and service to the farming community, the Punjab Agricultural University has established the State of Art Biocontrol Laboratories. in the name of Dr Gurcharan Singh Kalkat (lab)

Speaking at a function organized on this occasion PAU Vice Chancellor, Dr.BS Dhillon highlighted the professional expertise and practical solutions offered by Dr Kalkat that made him a front runner in ushering the green revolution at the state as well as national level.

In his address, the chief guest, Dr G.S. Kalkat (presently working as the Chairman of Punjab State Farmers Commission) shared his experiences of working in the World Bank, Department of Agriculture, Punjab and Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. He stated that present agriculture in the state needs to focus on two important aspects water conservation and the judicious use of insecticides. He stressed on the need to identify appropriate biological control strategies which can be integrated in the pest management programs. He said that since maize cultivation would become a viable preposition under diversification programme in the future, it might lead to the re-emergence of insect problems. Therefore there is a need to devise comprehensive pest management strategies for the success of these ventures.

Dr Kalkat also shed light on the need for proper marketing of produce to help small farmers. Setting up of silos and cold chains are required so that the farmers can get the remunerate prices Earlier, Dr Balwinder Singh Director of Research welcomed and introduced the Chief guest, Dr. GS Kalkat. Also present on the occasion were, Dr RS Sidhu, Director Extension, Dr. PK Khanna, Registrar, Dr Gumber, Additional Director of Research, Dr. Neelam Grewal, Dean PGS, deans and others officers of the university.