Do not burn wheat stubble: PAU VC Appeals to farmers

Sat, May 6, 2017 at 5:16 PM

It spoils the carbon cycle of nature

Ludhiana: 6th May 2017: (Punjab Screen Team):
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After wheat harvesting, a serious note of stubble burning is being taken by the Higher Courts and the environmental organizations.  While interacting with the media today, the Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon appealed to the farmers of Punjab to avoid burning wheat stubble as it spoils the carbon cycle of nature, pollutes the environment and deteriorates the soil health. In addition, it destroys the nutritional traits and the friendly insects, resulting in attack of more insect pests on crops and increasing the farm expenses for their management. Hailing from an agricultural family, Dr Dhillon said he was well aware of the hard work and expenditure required for straw management. A few decades back, wheat was harvested in the sunshine and its grains were extracted after drying for several days. Dr. Dhillon said the industrious farmers of Punjab can plough the wheat residue in the soil instead of burning it. By irrigating it, it will be beneficial for the next crop, he added. Regarding expenses, he said the yields of paddy and wheat have been better this year and also paved way for financial benefits. The farmers could spend some amount out of it for managing the wheat stubble, he suggested.
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           Dr. Dhillon expressed his confidence that the farmers of Punjab have always adopted the recommendations of Punjab Agricultural University and would further listen to his advice of not indulging in stubble burning.  He stressed that conserving natural resources was the prime need for the benefit of health, environment, and future generations.
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           Present on the occasion were Dr. R.S. Sidhu, Director of Extension Education; Dr. J.S. Mahal, Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology;  and Dr. Jagdish Kaur, Additional Director Communication, PAU.

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Let us strive for a better work culture: VC Dr. Dhillon

PAU Celebrated Republic Day

Ludhiana: 26th January 2017: (Karthika Singh//Punjab Screen):

In spite of rainy weather the 68th Republic Day of the country was  at Punjab Agricultural University, today with great enthusiasm. The Vice Chancellor, Dr.Baldev Singh Dhillon unfurled the tricolor and took salute from the NCC cadets. The function saw the presence of Deans, Directors, faculty, staff and students.

In his address to the audience, Dr Dhillon paid tributes to the freedom fighters while highlighting the pivotal role played by Punjabis to attain independence. The day holds greater significance as on this day in 1929, a pledge for “Poorna Swaraj” was taken in Lahore”, he said.

While congratulating the faculty and students for their efforts in bringing glory to PAU, the Vice Chancellor gave credit to the Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering for their contribution towards controlling the white fly attack. He also mentioned the highly successful PAU paddy variety, PR121 that produced a record yield last year in comparison to the PUSA 44 variety. “We are looking forward to the introduction of the Super Straw Management (SMS) system to prevent burning of paddy stubble by farmers”, revealed Dr Dhillon and further briefed about PAU’s achievements in the field of Horticulture, Biofertilizer production, and pesticide and fertilizer reduction. The Vice Chancellor while applauding the winners of various national awards, said that it was great honour for PAU as 3 students from the university were selected for the Prime Minister’s Fellowship, 2 PhD students won the Jawahar Lal Nehru Award and 8 Borlaug fellowships were awarded to PAU.

Dr Dhillon urged the audience to strive towards an efficient work culture and focus on the areas of agro processing and marketing so as to effectively bridge gap between demand and supply. “Discipline and hard work are the keys to develop a healthy society and thus to progress,” he remarked.

Earlier, Dr.Ravinder Kaur Dhaliwal, Director Students Welfare welcomed the Chief Guest, and motivated the students to pay attention to character building and help in eradicating social evils. Sweets were distributed to mark the celebration.

PAU’S KVK (Samrala) holds a special Kisan mela

Mon, Sep 26, 2016 at 4:37 PM

Birth centenary celebrations of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay

Ludhiana: 26 September 2016:(Punjab Screen Bureau):

To mark the birth centenary celebrations of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay, a Kisan Mela was organized at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Samrala) of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) under the aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Zone-I. Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU was the chief guest on the occasion. Farmers and farm women from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir participated in the mela in big number.

           Addressing the massive gathering of farmers, Dr Dhillon urged them to sow PAU recommended crop varieties during rabi 2016-17, adopt auxiliary occupations, go for soil and water testing, do not burn paddy straw and instead bury it in the soil for better soil health.

           Dr Randhir Singh, Additional Director General (Extension Education), ICAR apprised the farmers of various schemes, being offered by the Central Government. He also advised them to get Soil Health Cards issued after getting their soil tested. He urged them to go in for joint as well as online marketing.

Dr Rajbir Singh, Director, ATARI, urged the farmers, farm women and rural youths to obtain technical guidance from KVK scientists before cultivating crops. He also asked them to use PAU Happy Seeder for straw management in addition to using straw for compost making, mushroom cultivation and setting-up biogas plant.  

           Dr R.K. Gupta, Director, Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET), called upon the farmers to participate in processing trainings and set-up agro-processing units for better economic returns.

           Dr R.S. Sidhu, Director of Extension Education, PAU advised the farmers to use PAU Happy Seeder for the management of paddy straw. He also called upon the KVK experts to conduct field demonstrations on the use of Happy Seeder at farmers’ fields.

Dr S.C. Sharma, Associate Director (Training), KVK, Samrala shed light on the life and achievements of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay. “He was born on September 25, 1916 in Uttar Pradesh and was a great economist, sociologist, historian, philosopher and politician. He played a significant role in economic upliftment of rural masses,” said Dr Sharma.

A farm expert, Dr Arvind proposed the vote of thanks. Dr G.S. Buttar, Additional Director of Extension Education, PAU also graced the occasion.

On the occasion, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Krishi Puruskar 2016 was bestowed upon Smt. Pooja Sharma, Gurugram (Haryana) and S. Jinder Singh, Rupnagar (Punjab). Farmers and farm women from adjoining states shared their experiences and were advised to remain in touch with KVK experts. The mela also witnessed a heavy rush for the purchase of quality seeds. During the question-answer session, farmers’ queries were addressed by the experts, Besides, various self-help groups had put up their stalls.

Two Days Rabi Workshop Inaugurated at PAU

Tue, Aug 16, 2016 at 5:31 PM

Vice Chancellor Dr. B.S. Dhillon was the Chief Guest

Ludhiana: 16 August 2016: 

(Rector Kathuria//Pardeep Sharma//Punjab Screen):

Two-days Rabi workshop has been organized by Directorate of Extension Education in Pal Auditorium at PAU, Ludhiana.  On this occasion, PAU Vice Chancellor, Dr. B. S. Dhillon was the Chief Guest and Dr. J. S. Bains, Director of Agriculture, Punjab was the Guest of Honour. The Agricultural Development Officers, Agriculture Officers, Chief Agriculture Officers from all over the state, scientists from different KVKs, University scientists from different disciplines and extension specialists have participated in the workshop. 

Dr. Dhillon emphasized on judicial use of chemicals in agriculture and we have to step towards the less use of insecticides.  While discussing about the bio-fertilizers, he urged upon the conservation of nitrogen and phosphorous nutrient in the soil.  He appreciated the joint efforts of extension specialists and University scientists to control the incidence of white fly.  Similarly, he emphasized on joint efforts to control yellow rust in wheat.   While talking about cooperative farming, Dr. Dhillon said that we should adopt agricultural machinery through cooperative societies by which we can reduce the initial cost on agriculture.  On this occasion, Dr. Dhillon also appreciated the cooperation rendered from Punjab Govt. and agriculture department and gave assurance from University for any agricultural crisis in future.  Dr. Dhillon, further stated that agricultural accounting is must.  So, there is dire need to aware the farmers regarding this.  In view of increasing temperature, there is need to re-schedule the sowing time of crops.    

           Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Bains focused on the future targets of different crops.  He stated that Punjab occupies 1.5 percent area of the country and contributing a lot in central pool.  He stated that in collaboration with PAU we have achieved the new heights in agriculture which are appreciable.  He encouraged the officers, scientists and extension specialists to participate in open discussion so that the right direction can be given to agricultural research.  He said that new research experiments should be planned in view of climate change and farm operations should be planned according to weather forecast.  He emphasized on great contribution of bio-technology and nano-technology practices in future. 

           Dr. R. K. Gumber, Director of Research, PAU highlighted the new recommendations of the University.  He also informed about the research works going on in the University. 

           Dr. H. S. Dhaliwal, Dean, College of Agriculture welcomed the delegates.  On this occasion, the exhibition was displayed by different departments of the University to show the new technologies and techniques. 

           The organizer of this workshop, Dr. R. S. Sidhu, Director of Extension Education while giving thanks to the participants, he discussed about the challenges in extension works in Punjab agriculture.  He stated that while controlling the incidence of white fly, yellow rust and mealy bug we have earned the faith of Punjab farmers and we have to work hard to maintain this faith.  We have to reach the door of every small farmer to guide them

Be the change you want to see: PAU Vice Chancellor

Mon, Aug 15, 2016 at 12:43 PM
NCC cadets were also present on the occasion

Ludhiana: 15 August 2016: (Punjab Screen Bureau):

The nation’s 70 Independence Day was celebrated with fervor at Punjab Agricultural University with the unfurling of the tricolor and salute taking ceremony by the Vice Chancellor, Dr B.S.  Dhillon,  who was  the chief guest of the day. Besides the NCC cadets, also present on the occasion were the Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, faculty members, staff and students of the university. In his address, the Vice Chancellor while extending greetings on India’s 70th year of independence, reminded the gathering about the sacrifices made by the Punjabis during the long and arduous freedom struggle. Apart from lending support to refugees coming from across the border, Punjabis have played  a significant role in helping the nation become self sufficient in grain production. PAU has got tremendous support from the farmers of the state.

With regard to the issue of white fly in the Malwa belt, Dr Dhillon remarked that the farmers have always listened to PAU recommendations every time we reached out to them with need based technology and commitment. He thanked the farmers for their support and cooperation in dealing with the problem. He also appreciated the efforts and support of the PAU faculty, staff and students towards eradicating white fly. Dr Dhillon urged the scientists to keep coming up with suggestions and recommendations so that effective strategies could be made to achieve success on this front. “It is due to continuous efforts and innovations like laser leveler, direct sowing of rice etc  that we have been able to control the wastage of water in the state”, said Dr Dhillon. The increasing awareness among farmers has also helped control the depletion of water table. By following PAU recommendations, the use of fertilizers has been reduced by the farmers and an increasing number of them do not allow water logging in the paddy fields.

Dr Dhillon also shed light on the various ongoing research projects in the university like bio agent, Paddy straw, bio gas plant, and value addition etc, which he hoped would help find new directions  in  the future conservation of  natural resources. He stressed the need to communicate more effectively with the farmers and reach out to those who cannot connect with us.

The organizer of the event, Dr Ravinder Kaur Dhaliwal, Director Students Welfare, while addressing the audience motivated the students to participate whole heartedly for the prosperity of the country. While highlighting the glorious past of PAU, Dr Dhalwal said that the university has produced world class scientists, litterateurs and athletes and this legacy should carry on.

She thanked the Vice Chancellor, Dr Dhillon for his dynamic leadership and support for creating a conducive environment for positive  development. Dr Dhaliwal also extended a vote of thanks to the officials of the university, the Registrar, Dr P.K. Khanna, Director Extension, Dr R.S. Sidhu, Dean , PGS, Dr Neelam Grewal, Dean, College of Basic Sciences, Dr G.K. Sangha, Dean, College of Agriculture, Dr H.S. Dhaliwal, Comptroller, Dr Sandeep Kapoor, Chief Engineer, Dr Jaspal Singh , Estate Officer, Dr V.S. Hans and heads of various departments for gracing the occasion.