Scientist Emphasizes To Create Good Storage Facilities And Train Young Graduates

Ludhiana, April 4, 2016: “A farmer should not only grow but also market his products,” said a renowned agricultural scientist, Dr B.S. Ahloowalia, an ex-staff member, Agriculture and Food Development Authority, Dublin, Ireland while delivering his talk on “Punjab Agriculture and its Problems” at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today. The College of Basic Sciences and Humanities (COBS&H), PAU organized the talk, in which heads and faculty of various departments of the University participated. Dr (Mrs) G.K. Sangha, Dean, COBS&H and Dr Ashok Kumar, Additional Director of Research (Farm Mechanization and Bio-energy) also graced the occasion.

Referring to the book “Punjab Agriculture: The Challenges Ahead,” Dr Ahloowalia, who is one of the authors of the book, pointed out that the major social and agricultural issues have cropped up with the continuous sowing of wheat-paddy. The advent of Green Revolution designated Punjab as “Breadbasket of India,” he said, adding that the food production has been increasing with the growing population. But food security still remains an issue, he observed, saying that Punjab may have enough but not for the country. He stressed on creating good storage facilities for millions and millions of food grains, being produced by the farmers. He further observed that marketing area has been a failure and that primary production followed by good marketing facilities at the village level could prove to be a boon for the farmers. Dr Ahloowalia also emphasized on creating awareness in the villages regarding information and communication technology (ICT) tools. Making a call for spread of female education, Dr Ahloowalia suggested forming a group of five women in each village to check water supply, village ponds and also updating their knowledge by organizing seminars and training courses. Elaborating, he stressed on imparting training to young agricultural graduates in business management in order to encourage them to start their own ventures. Besides, he underlined the need for establishing clubs for farming community, and promoting farm tourism in the state. He also expressed concern over rising drug addiction in the state and declining interests of youth in the farming.

It may be mentioned that the book “Punjab Agriculture: The Challenges Ahead” was jointly authored by three distinguished scientists namely Dr B.S. Ahloowalia, Dr M.S. Kang, former PAU Vice-Chancellor and an internationally recognized quantitative geneticist; and Dr K.L. Chadha, an outstanding scientist of Indian horticulture.

Dr Kumar, while appreciating the informative talk of Dr Ahloowalia, said the suggestions given by him can go a long way in providing solutions to the farm problems.

Earlier, Dr Sangha welcomed the guest speaker, heads and faculty of PAU. She gave a brief introduction of the speaker and highlighted his achievements.

Dr Ashoo Toor, Assistant Professor (English), PAU conducted the programme.