Preparations in full swing at PAU for Kisan Mela

Ludhiana, March 17, 2015: Preparations are in full swing at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) for the two-day Kisan Mela on March 20 and 21. Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU has called upon the farmers and the farm women to participate in the mela enthusiastically.

Dr Dhillon said that PAU wishes to promote diversification in the state through the theme of the mela, “Adopt Crop Diversification and Save Natural Resources.” Crop choices should cater to livelihood security of the farmers as well as long term sustainability of the natural resources, he observed. “Maize, cotton, soybean, agro-forestry, vegetables and fruits are some of the alternative crops that can replace paddy and sustain ground water resources,” he suggested. Besides, rational use of water, fertilizers and agro-chemicals is vital to keep check on costs as well as residue levels within food safety standards, he said. Further, Dr Dhillon highlighted that PAU will equip the farm women, during the mela, with useful tips for home management as well as child care.

Dr R.S. Sidhu, Director of Extension Education, said that the first day of mela will see crop produce competition. In addition, an agro-industrial exhibition showcasing farm machinery, gardening tools, tubewell appliances, etc. will be put up, he informed. Technical sessions will also be organized to address the farm queries of the visiting farmers. Dr Sidhu called upon the farmers to visit the mela, see live demonstrations, interact with the experts, learn about new agricultural technologies, and hone their skills regarding latest farm innovations. He also informed that the farmers can purchase the seed of newly released crop varieties and PAU farm literature during the mela.

Dr Balwinder Singh, Director of Research, said that the University has always been on the forefront to develop need-based technologies aimed at finding solution to agricultural problems that farmers are confronted with. “PAU technologies are recommended after rigorous testing in research farms and farmers’ fields,” he added. In view of changing scenario and emerging challenges in agriculture, research programmes have been reprioritized, he said. Dr Singh urged the farmers to participate in the mela and adopt PAU technologies in order to give push to sustainable and profitable farming.