PAU organises its 6th kisan mela at RRS Gurdaspur, farmers exhorted to adopt crop diversification

Ludhiana/Gurdaspur, March 25, 2015: The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) organised its sixth Kisan Mela at Regional Research Station (RRS), Gurdaspur today. The theme of the mela was “Adopt Crop Diversification and Save Natural Resources.” Farmers in large number visited various stalls of PAU departments, saw field demonstrations, participated in question-answer session, and lined up to purchase University farm publications and seeds of new crop varieties.

Hardev Singh Riar, Member, PAU Board of Management, was the chief guest while Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU presided over the mela. On this occasion, the Chief Agricultural Officer of Gurdaspur, Dr Lakhwinder Singh Hundal and former Director of RRS Gurdaspur, Dr Paramjit Singh Kahlon were also present.

In his address, Riar said, “The untiring efforts of the state farmers and PAU scientists have enabled Punjab to win “Krishi Kaman Award” for the record food grain production. This University has made substantial contribution to the food security of the nation and the farming community will always remain indebted to PAU.” Exhorting the farmers to adopt crop diversification, he emphasised, that in the selection of crop varieties was also essential. He appreciated PAU’s new sugarcane variety and said that at present, many farmers are cultivating crops by acquiring land on lease. Riar advised the farmers to read PAU farm literature regularly for technical know-how of progressive farming.

In his presidential remarks, Dr Dhillon said “Kisan Melas are important events as they provide immense benefit to the scientists as well as to the farmers.” He stressed on the adoption of crop diversification and judicious use of natural resources by using resource conservation techniques like leaf colour chart and tensiometer. Dr Dhillon urged the farmers to adopt subsidiary occupations for good income, in view of shrinking land holdings and rising input costs. He also emphasised on soil testing for prudent use of fertilizers and on the use of paddy straw management techniques to avoid stubble burning. Laying more emphasis on profit than production, he suggested the farmers to keep the record of their farm expenditure for better returns.

Earlier in his welcome address, Dr R.S. Sidhu, Director of Extension Education said Kisan Melas provide an opportunity to the farmers to strengthen their links with the farm experts. The feedback received from the farmers helps in revamping the research programmes of the University, he added. Dr Sidhu called upon the farmers to get trainings in auxiliary occupations from Krishi Vigyan Kendras of Punjab. He also highlighted the importance and vital contribution of RRS, Gurdaspur to agriculture and allied fields.

Dr Balwinder Singh, Director of Research, said RRS Gurdaspur is a 100-year old station, which has contributed extensively towards the agri-development.

He informed, “The University has recommended/developed 750 crop varieties so far. At present, research on nearly 100 crops is being carried out at PAU.” He also familiarized the farmers with the newly released crop varieties, and their production and protection technologies.

The Additional Director Communication and Senior Extension Specialist (Plant Pathology), Dr Chander Mohan dwelt on the importance of seed treatment. He said the subscription to monthly PAU farm magazines is being offered to the farmers on discount.

Dr Ram Sakal Singh, Director, RRS Gurdaspur proposed the vote of thanks. On the occasion, a journalist of prominent daily and three PAU scientists were honoured for their contribution in popularizing farm technologies.