PAU KISAN MELA AT RAUNI: Patiala saw display of more than 60 stalls showcasing latest farm technologies

Ludhiana, March 21, 2017: Punjab Agricultural University's Kisan Mela on March 21, 2017, at Rauni, Patiala saw a display of more than 60 stalls showcasing the latest farm technologies for the oncoming kharif season. The theme of the mela ,“Sow PAU seeds, adopt subsidiary occupations, do efficient marketing and maintain farm records resonated well with the farmers who were seen thronging the mela stalls for buying quality seed and PAU publications.

Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana ,was the Chief Guest of the occasion. In his inaugural address, the Vice Chancellor urged the farmers to follow PAU recommendations and keep themselves abreast of the latest farming techniques. He called upon them to attend Kisan Melas and various trainings organized at Krishi Vigyan Kendras across Punjab from time to time. "With the current challenges being faced by farmers, the farming community should go in for hybrid seed production, judicious use of inputs, timely testing of soil, kitchen gardening and organic farming to ensure healthy crop and adopt auxiliary occupations for supplementing income", he emphasized. Giving example of higher cotton yield using lesser amount of pesticide in the state last year, Dr Dhillon congratulated the farmers for cooperating with PAU scientists for better results and stated the importance of team work to achieve the same. He also exhorted the farmers to give their feedback to PAU experts and thus help direct the university's research programmes.

Dr R.S. Sidhu, Director Extension, PAU, while welcoming the dignitaries and the farmers applauded the huge rush at the mela and attributed its success to impressive participation by the farmers. He motivated them to closely understand various field practices and technological advancements suggested by the PAU experts. Dr Sidhu advised the farmers to indulge in judicious use of water, fertilizers and insecticides in order to conserve the environment. He also highlighted the PAU publications and advised the farmers to become members of PAU's monthly farm magazines, Changi Kheti and Progressive Farming for getting closer insight into agricultural practices recommended for different crops.

While giving details of the university's research initiatives, Dr Ashok Kumar, Director Research informed that continuous updation of research based on emerging agricultural challenges was being done with special focus on crop varieties requiring less water, fertilizer, pesticide and more yield. He said work was also being done to promote direct sowing of rice and drip irrigation to help conserve water. He also shed light on PAU recommendation of bio pesticide, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and organic fertilizer. Dr Kumar asserted the use of laser land leveler and happy seeder and urged the farmers to stop burning the paddy stubble.

An inspiring one act play, Soch Samajh ke Keet Nasahak, directed by Dr Anil Sharma, Assistant Director (T.V./ Radio) and enacted by the students of Punjab Agricultural University drew a huge applause from the audience. The play sent out the message of judicious use of pesticides to farmers. PAU senior officers, Dr G.S. Buttar, Additional Director Extension, Dr. Jagdish Kaur, Additional Director, Communication, Dr J.S. Bhalla, Head, Dept of Extension Education and others graced the occasion. Later, Dr Jaswinder Singh, Associate Director (Training), KVK, Rauni, proposed the vote of thanks.