PAU KISAN MELA KICKS OFF; Don't Use Un-Recommended Cotton Varieties And Pesticides: Dr Dhillon

Ludhiana, March 18, 2016: With weather god being kind enough, the two-day Kisan Mela kicked off at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) amidst massive gathering of farmers and farm women from across the Punjab and adjoining states. The radiant sunshine cheered up the spirits of the visiting farmers and the farm women. The theme of the mela “Kheti melain de rang, sudhre beej, machinery, kitaban de sang” aimed at urging the farmers to use improved seeds, make optimal use of farm machinery and read farm literature for technical guidance.

In his inaugural address, the Chief Guest, Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU stressed on the farmers not to make use of un-recommended cotton varieties and pesticides. “The agro-chemicals should be used in right amount at right time and right place,” he added. Expressing concern over water issues and changing climate, he advised the farmers to diversify their farms by growing alternate crops like maize, fruits, vegetables, etc. He also suggested opting for seed production as it holds great potential in the market. Dr Dhillon further appealed to the farmers to reduce urea dose and go for soil testing before using it. Asking the farmers to maintain their farm records for earning good profit, he said that marketing and mechanization should be done jointly. Referring to PAU fruit fly trap, he informed that it is low-priced and a successful technology. Dr Dhillon called upon the farmers to share their agri-issues with the PAU experts without any hesitation as there is a lot to learn from the stakeholders.

The Guest of Honour, Mr Christopher Gibbins, Counsel General of Canada in Chandigarh, said, “Canada has a deep association with Punjab. Out of 12 lakh Indo-Canadians, 7 lakh are from Punjab. Punjabis are making immense contribution to the Canadian agriculture.” He further said that they would like to expand their research programmes by venturing jointly with Punjab in dairy and fishery sectors, food processing, farm mechanization and climate change. “Agriculture sector in Canada is very dynamic,” said Mr Gibbins. Canada produces 20-30 million tonnes (mt) of wheat, 14-15 mt canola, 6 mt soybean, 12 mt corn, 4 mt oats and 7 mt pulses, he told. Besides, other crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries and blueberries are also produced in their country, he added. Canada and India can enter into cooperation in technology development, technology innovation and food processing, he suggested. Mr Gibbins lauded PAU for its remarkable contribution to the nations’ food security.

Dr Balwinder Singh, Director of Research, while highlighting the research programmes of PAU, said, “The University has developed more than 775 crop varieties and hybrids till date and is conducting research on nearly 100 crops.” He informed the farmers about the newly released varieties of kharif crops namely PBN 346 of napier bajra, ML 2056 of mungbean and LD 949 of desi cotton. Disclosing that temperature has risen by 1 ? C, he said new insect-pests and diseases are posing a threat to various crops. PAU research is developing new technologies keeping in view the climate change and declining natural resources, he added.

Earlier, while welcoming the dignitaries, farmers and the farm women, Dr R.S. Sidhu, Director of Extension Education, said, ‘Kisan Melas provide an opportunity to the farmers to discuss their farm issues with the experts and seek pertinent solutions.” Dr Sidhu also gave a brief introduction of Dr Gibbins.

Dr. Dhillon honoured Mr. Gibbins with a shawl and a memento. Mr. Gibbins was also presented a set of PAU Publications.

During the mela, five PAU scientists namely Dr Chander Mohan, Senior Extension Specialist (Plant Pathology); Dr Shammi Kapoor, Senior Mycologist; Dr Avtar Singh, Senior Scientist (Forestry); Dr Sandeep Singh, Assistant Entomologist; and Dr Arsh Alam Singh Gill, Assistant Seed Production Specialist received Appreciation Certificates for their contributions to their respective fields.

On the occasion, five progressive farmers of Punjab were also honoured. Two farmers namely S. Sohan Singh Bhangu of village Bishanpura, district Sangrur and S. Avtar Singh Ratol of village Saroud, district Sangrur were conferred with “Chief Minister Awards” for excellence in agriculture and horticulture, respectively. S. Gurmail Singh of villageUchhagoan, district Patiala; S. Harjit Singh of village Jhita Kalan, Amritsar and Mr Surinderpal Singh of village Dhingwali,Abohar (Fazilka) were awarded with “CRI Pumps Awards” for adopting improved water management techniques, farm mechanization and organic farming, respectively.

At the mela, farmers lined up to purchase PAU farm publications and the seeds of new and improved varieties ofKharif crops. The participating farmers also visited various stalls of PAU departments, saw live demonstrations, interacted and shared their farm issues with the experts, and showed keen interest in learning about latest farm technologies.