Kisan Mela at Regional Station Faridkot by PAU

Fri, Mar 10, 2017 at 3:35 PM

Sow PAU seeds, adopt subsidiary occupations

Ludhiana: 10 March 2017: (Punjab Screen Bureau)::

To showcase the latest farm technologies for Kharif crops, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) held a Kisan Mela at its Regional Station, Faridkot today. Mr Jang Bahadur Singh Sangha, Former Member, Board of Management, PAU as well as a progressive farmer, inaugurated the Kisan Mela which focused on the theme “Sow PAU seeds, adopt subsidiary occupations, do efficient marketing and maintain farm records.”  In addition to interaction with the experts, the farmers obtained solutions to farm queries, viewed live demonstrations, and purchased seeds, planting material and PAU farm publications. Dr Ashok Kumar, Director of Research presided over the function and Dr Gurmeet Singh Butter, Additional Director of Extension Education, also graced the occasion.

In his inaugural address, Mr. Sangha greeted the gathering and said that the prime objective of such pastoral fairs is two-way interaction between the agricultural scientists and the farmers. Equating the kisan melas to knowledge-encapsulated events, he advocated a two-pronged strategy for ensuring a lucrative agricultural enterprise, viz., judicious expenditure and adoption of subsidiary ventures. Opining that PAU Kisan Divas is unique, he said that it is a divas of knowledge where farmers interact with university scientists to gain new knowledge on farming.Mr. Sangha, who himself is an ace potato grower, said that PAU has contributed immensely towards national food security. The farmers should keep constant liaison with the university scientists to learn the latest techniques of farming, he explained. He further pointed out that in the post green revolution era, Punjab is facing new challenges. Urging the farming community to opt for hybrid seed production, he emphasized judicious use of inputs, timely testing of soil andadoption of auxiliary occupations for supplementing income. He exhorted the farmers to purchase quality seeds from the University and seek its guidance regarding good varieties.

Dilating upon the research achievements of PAU, Dr Ashok Kumar, Director of Research, said, “Crop varieties that need less water and fertilizer, are tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses, and give better yield, are being developed by the university.” In order to counter the emerging challenges in the arena of agriculture, the PAU has focused its attention on yield-centric, lucrative as well as environment-friendly endeavors, he added. PAU has developed/released new varieties namely Punjab Basmati 4 and Punjab Basmati 5 of basmati; and CoPb 92, CoPb 93 and CoPb 94 of sugarcane, he briefed. Dr Kumar also cited the newly recommended production-protection technologies for various crops.

While welcoming the dignitaries and the farmers, Dr G.S. Butter, Additional Director Extension Education, PAU, appealed to the farmers to follow PAU recommendations. He encouraged them to attend trainings imparted at the different KVKs of the university. Such trainings would arm them with the latest knowledge to tackle the challenges which came in the form of weather, weeds, pests, etc., he averred.  Dr Pankaj Rathore, Director, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, while proposing the vote of thanks, shed light on the activities of RRS, Faridkot and new crop varieties, released by PAU.

Several stalls with exhibits as diverse as implements, improved seeds, solar energy, farm literature, etc., were displayed during the Kisan Divas. The scientists of PAU answered a volley of questions from the farmers during an interactive session. Subject matter specialists of PAU gave useful tips to farmers about the new crop production and protection technologies, farm mechanization for Kharif crops, etc.