PAU VC Addresses Faculty

Ludhiana, July 1, 2015: After assuming the charge for the second term, Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) addressed the faculty today. Expressing his thankfulness to all, he stated, “It is all team work.” Dr Dhillon highlighted the achievements and initiatives taken during last four years. In the field of research, he said, “PAU developed/released 76 crop varieties and hybrids. Besides, the University developed 71 production and 66 protection technologies for the management of insect-pests and diseases in various crops.” Dr Dhillon highlighted that PAU is the first agricultural institution in India to get maize haploid inducer from International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Mexico. Besides, the University initiated doubled haploid breeding in rice, strengthened doubled haploid breeding in wheat, and started marker assisted selection in fruit plants, he said. In addition, PAU initiated work in rajmah; started breeding seed production of potato under MoU with Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla; and research on hydroponics technology in vegetables, fodders and floriculture. Apart from this, Food Industry Centre has been set-up on the campus, he said, while adding that PAU also strengthened research on biotechnology, nanotechnology, bio-energy, bio-fertilizers and crop residue management. He highlighted that good work has been done on drip irrigation and fertigation, bio-fertilizers and biogas production form paddy straw.

In teaching, Dr Dhillon said the University got ICAR’s accreditation for five years (2014-19), started course on “Human Values in Education,” fortified English courses, and started online registration of admissions. Besides, PAU introduced Ph.D students’ exchange for one semester in other universities, he added. Dr Dhillon further disclosed that a total of 22 eminent scientists working in foreign laboratories served or are serving as Co-advisors of postgraduate students.

In extension, University linked Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Farm Advisory Services for optimal use of resources; identified PAU Doots in different villages of Punjab and initiated campaign for popularizing direct seeded rice technique among the farmers.

Dr Dhillon said the future thrust is on depleting underground water, deteriorating soil health, crop diversification, yield enhancement, climate change, agro-processing and crop residue management.

Earlier, Dr R.S. Sidhu, Director of Extension Education welcomed the PAU VC and the faculty of the University. Later, Dr Neelam Grewal, Dean, Postgraduate Studies, proposed the vote of thanks.