Father of Rice Revolution Addresses media at PAU
Ludhiana: Monday: 30th January 2017: (Punjab Screen Bureau):
The Father of Rice Revolution and an alumnus of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Dr Gurdev Singh Khush voiced concern over global warming and changing weather pattern while addressing the media at PAU today. He stressed on combating the climate change issues, reducing area under rice, cultivating crops requiring less water and promoting crop diversification technology in Punjab. Replying to the query of zinc and iron in rice, he suggested the application of biotechnological tools in this direction.
Dr Khush, who has come from USA, is on a visit to PAU to attend the annual function of ‘Dr Gurdev Singh Khush Foundation for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences’ in the University on January 31. During the press conference, Dr G.S. Kalkat, Chairman, Punjab State Farmers’ Commission; Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice Chancellor, PAU; and Dr B.S. Sidhu, Agricultural Commissioner, Punjab were also present. For more pics please click here
Dr D.S. Brar, Secretary of the Foundation, while giving a brief introduction of Dr Khush, said, “Dr Khush is a main architect of Green Revolution in rice. Nearly 35 rice varieties developed by him are being cultivated across the world.” Dr Brar further said, “Dr Khush is a well-known rice breeder and a brilliant scientist, who has trained numerous scientists from diverse countries. A recipient of Japan Prize (1987) and World Food Prize (1996), he has been honoured with doctorate degree by several national and international varsities.”
Highlighting the activities of Khush Foundation, Dr Brar said that it was established in 2010 with generous donation of Rs 3.5. crore from Dr Khush with a mandate to promote agricultural research and development programmes of PAU. The Foundation has four major objectives including award of scholarships to undergraduate students of PAU and GADVASU, award of travel grants to postgraduate students and young faculty of PAU, team award for excellence in transfer of technology to farmers and holding of a guest lecture by a renowned agricultural scientist. Till date, many students, teachers, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Farm Advisory Service Centres in Punjab have been awarded by Khush Foundation, he told. Dr Brar disclosed, “The Foundation is all set to start financial support for needy students also who are deserving candidates.
Dr Kalkat said, “To address environmental issues, people need to take initiatives at their level.” For more pics please click here
Dr Dhillon, PAU VC, said the three PAU developed rice varieties PR 121, PR 124 and PR 126 have been well-accepted by the farmers of the state. “Last year, about 50 per cent of rice area of the state was under PR 121 variety, which showed excellent results at farmers’ fields,” he told. The University is focusing on conservation of natural resources, he said, while adding that the untiring efforts of scientists have also resulted in the reduced pesticide consumption in the state. For more pics please click here
Later, Dr Jagdish Kaur, Additional Director Communication, proposed the vote of thanks. For more pics please click here
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