PAU holds kisan mela at RRS, Ballowal Saunkhri

Fri, Sep 8, 2017 at 6:00 PM

Drip irrigation technique can be benefit farmers of Kandi area: Dr. Gosal

Ballowal Saunkhri: 8th September 2017: (Punjab Screen Bureau)::

The series of PAU Kisan Melas kick started with the first mela at Regional Research

Station, Ballowal Saunkhri (Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar) today. Farmers and farm

women in big number thronged the mela to see the live demonstrations, purchase

planting material and farm literature, and discuss their farm related issues with the PAU

scientists. The mela aimed at urging the farmers to not burn paddy straw, save

environment and cut expenses on social functions. Dr S.S. Gosal, Member, Board of

Management, PAU, was the chief guest while Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor,

PAU, presided over the inaugural session. Sh Chaudhary Darshan Lal Mangupur, MLA,

Balachaur, was the special guest on the occasion.

In his inaugural address, Dr Gosal said, “Farmers repose full faith in the Regional

Research Station, Ballowal Saunkhri. This station was established in 1982 and has

served the farming community tremendously.” Expressing concern over water shortage

in the Kandi region, Dr Gosal said the use of drip irrigation technique can benefit the

farmers of this area. He also called for judicious use of fertilizers, saying no to paddy

straw burning, saving environment and regularizing agricultural income. Dr Gosal urged

the farmers to avail the subsidy on tractors, being provided by the Department of

Horticulture, Punjab.

In his presidential remarks, Dr Dhillon said, “With 206 per cent cropping intensity,

the yield of various crops in Punjab has seen a rise.” He called upon the farmers to use

good quality seed, make fertilizers’ use as per requirement, use biofertilizers for good

soil health and maintain farm records for economic sustainability. He stressed on the

farmers to not indulge in paddy straw burning and instead adopt its management

technologies. Dr Dhillon further said the PAU scientists are making all-out efforts to

address the issues of the farmers of Kandi region. Voicing concern over farmers’

suicides, he highly praised the students of Gursewa College of Nursing, Garshankar, for

their theatrical skills while enacting a play, which aimed at spreading the message

“Suicide is not the solution, rather fight against all odds of life.”

The special guest, Sh Mangupur expressed his sincere gratitude to the

agricultural experts for focusing on the Kandi region. He advised the farmers to seek

University’s technical expertise regarding agriculture and its allied occupations. He also

talked about the developmental activities.

On the occasion, S. Jagjit Singh, SDM, Balachaur, was also present.

Dr M.S. Dhaliwal, Additional Director of Research (Horticulture), PAU, while

highlighting research priorities, said, “The University is conducting research on nearly

100 crops. A total of 809 crop varieties and hybrids have been developed and

recommended by PAU till date, out of which, 173 are at the national level.” The focus

area of PAU’s research is on the development of crop varieties requiring less

water, fertilizers and resistant to various insect-pests and diseases, he added. Dr

Dahliwal also apprised farmers of several newly released crop varieties and their

production- protection technologies.

Earlier, Dr G.S. Buttar, Additional Director of Extension Education, PAU,

welcomed the dignitaries and the farmers, farm women and the rural youth. He said the

number of farmers participating in this mela is seeing an upward trend. The challenges

of Kandi region are different from all, he added. “About 34 per cent of population of

Punjab is having less than 5 acres of land. This Regional Research Station came up

with the special objective of serving the small farmers of the Kandi region

(Nawanshaher, Hoshiarpur and Ropar),” he added. In addition, four Krishi Vigyan

Kendras are established at Langroya, Bahowal, Ropar and Pathankot

to address the issues of the farmers, he told. Dr Buttar urged the visitng farmers to reap

benefits by receiving trainings in various aspects of agriculture from these KVKs.

Dr Manmohanjit Singh, Director, Regional Research Station, Ballowal Saunkhri,

proposed the vote of thanks. During the mela, as many as 116 stalls were put up by

various departments of PAU and other organizations. Huge rush of farmers was seen at

the seed sale centre of this station. The students of Gursewa College of Nursing also

enthralled the gathering with their giddha performance.

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.

PAU hold Kisan Mela at KVK, Amritsar

Dr Satbir Singh Gosal was the Chief Guest of the occasion

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

A heavy inflow of farmers was witnessed at the Kisan Mela of Punjab Agricultural University held at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Nag Kalan-Jahangir, Amritsar on Friday March, 10, 2017. The theme of the Kisan Mela “PAU de beej beejo, sahaik dhande apnao, mandikaran suchaja karo, lekha jhokha lao” aims at guiding the farmers to sow improved seeds of PAU and adopt new production – protection technologies for various crops, to achieve success in farming.

Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Member, Board of Management, PAU was the Chief Guest of the occasion. The mela also saw the presence of Dr Pushpinder Singh Aulakh, Additional Director of Extension Education; Dr Sarvjeet Singh, Additional Director of Research (Crop Improvement) and Dr Dalbir Singh Chhina, Chief Agriculture Officer, Amritsar.

Teeming with more than a 100 stalls, the Kisan Mela served as a befitting platform for the quick redressal of agro-problems of farmers. An interactive question-answer session with PAU experts, live demonstrations and sale-purchase of quality seeds recommended by PAU were the chief highlights of the day. PAU varieties of vegetables, fruits and flowers were also discussed and emphasized upon by the scientists. A long queue was witnessed at the stall exhibiting various PAU farm publications.

Dr Aulakh, while welcoming the dignitaries and the farmers, called upon the farmers to follow PAU recommendations and also advised them to keep themselves abreast of the latest farming techniques and attend various trainings, organized at the 17 KVKs across Punjab from time to time.

In his address, Dr Gosal suggested the farmers to opt for hybrid seed production, go for soil testing, adopt subsidiary occupations such as beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, food processing etc., focus on cooperative marketing and mechanization and make use of fruit fly trap technology. He asserted that the rural women could also contribute significantly and help in raising substantial income by opting for allied agricultural occupations. He also stressed upon the need to purchase quality seeds from PAU which ensure improved yield and assured profit to farmers. Dr Gosal highlighted that PAU had developed more than 757 crop varieties out of which 150 have been recommended outside Punjab. He observed that the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, turmeric and sugarcane offers a good alternative and can reap benefits to the farmers of this area. Encouraging the farmers to go for cooperative marketing and use of farm machinery, he said that this could result in a 35 per cent cut in the input and labour costs. Dr Gosal also urged the gathering to maintain their proper farm records in order to earn profits and to reduce expenses. He called upon the farmers to conserve water and adopt resource conservation technologies, like laser land leveler, tensiometer, etc., developed by PAU. Reposing full faith in the farmers of Punjab, he motivated them to share their farm issues with the PAU experts, without any hesitation, at various KVKs. “Your feedback helps in devising the research programmes of PAU,” he added. Dr Gosal lauded the efforts of KVK Amritsar in the organization of the mela.

Dr Sarvjeet Singh, Additional Director Research highlighted the research priorities of PAU and told the farmers about recommended varieties of Paddy, Basmati, Summer Moong, Mash etc. He also informed the farmers about the recently developed/released varieties namely Punjab Basmati 4, Punjab Basmati 5 of Basmati; CoPb 92, CoPb 93 & CoPb 94 of Sugarcane and PR126 of Rice. He said that PAU’s research was focusing on judicious use of water and on developing heat tolerant varieties. He also advocated the use of biofertilisers and integrated pet management technologies.

Dr Dalbir Singh Chhina, Chief Agriculture Officer, Amritsar, appreciated the efforts of PAU in resolving the issues of farmers by devising effective research programmes. He highlighted the farmer-friendly services provided by the Government of Punjab. Dr Bhupinder Singh Dhillon, Associate Director, KVK Amritsar, proposed the vote of thanks.

Women Received Overhelming Response at Kisan Mela

Mon, Sep 26, 2016 at 4:40 PM

PAU provided great plateform to women entrepreneurs

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

More than 60 stalls were put up by the women entrepreneurs on the grounds of the College of Home Science, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) during the Kisan Mela on September 22 and 23. Products sold ranged from bakery products, pinnis, chocolates, spices, pickles, juices to handicrafts. These stalls were put up under the Convenership of Dr G.K. Sangha, Dean, Colleges of Home Science, and Basic Sciences and Humanities.  The endeavour aimed at providing a platform to women entrepreneurs to understand market demands and enhance their confidence through direct marketing. It also provided an opportunity for networking among different entrepreneurs. The food stalls, especially,saag and makki di roti and dal roti were hit among the visiting farmers and rural women.  Packed pulses, especially, moong got an overwhelming response and were completely sold out. Students working in the experiential learning programme in the Departments of Foods and Nutrition, and Apparel and Textiles also got an encouraging response and exposure to hone their marketing skills. The faculty of the Department of Extension Education and Communication Management guided entrepreneurs in client dealings and creating market network using social networking applications.

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.

Kisan Mela at Faridkot attracted more younger generation

Wed, Sep 14, 2016 at 3:43 PM

Scientists and Doctors Committed to Improve Health:Dr Raj

Ludhiana-14 Septmeber 2016: (Punjab Screen Bureau):

The Kisan Mela at Regional Research Station, Faridkot, witnessed a humongous crowd of farmers, reasserting the validity of such melas, which are an ideal platform to reach out to the farming community at large. A colourful mêlée of more than a hundred inviting stalls, decorated with buntings, beckoned the teeming visitors. 

This Kisan mela at Faridkot attracted more younger generation. young boys and girls were watching each and every stall to gain more education of agriculture and horticulture. They said Agriculture is still super job for us. We will improve the weak economic situation of our farmers and country. These boys and girls have accepted the challenge arise after suicides by farmers. leaving behind the all differences these children explained that land is our mother and agriculture is our religion. They said,'we will not allow anyone to pollute our soil, water, air and harmony".

The theme of the Kisan Mela was “PAU kheti sifarshan, faslan layi vardaan; vigyani kheti naal hi safal hon kirsan.” The theme conveys a strong message that the ‘PAU Package of Practices’ is a boon for healthy crop production. The incorporation of scientific and technological innovations is vital to achieve success in agriculture.

The Kisan Mela was inaugurated by Punjab State Awardee, Dr Raj Bahadur, a renowned orthopedician and the Vice Chancellor of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot. Dr B. S. Dhillon, Vice Chancellor, PAU, presided over the function. Dignitaries from PAU- Dr R. K. Ghumber, Director of Research; Dr R. S. Sidhu, Director of Extension Education; Dr Jagdish Kaur, Additional Director of Communication; as well as Dr H. S. Kalsi, Chief Agricultural Officer and the first Director of Regional Research Station, Faridkot; and Dr Pankaj Rathore, Director, Regional Research Station, Faridkot lent their presence to the occasion. 

In his welcome address, Dr R. S. Sidhu expressed his gratitude towards the farmer visitors who had turned up in huge numbers, which in itself symbolized the huge success of the pastoral fair. He exhorted them to attend trainings imparted at the seventeen 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.

The Chief Guest, Dr Raj Bahadur, in his inaugural address congratulated the PAU scientists who identified crop maladies and worked relentlessly to eradicate them as well as to bring such information to the doorstep of the farmer; thus establishing a likability between scientists and doctors who are committed to improved health, albeit in their respective fields. He also raised his concerns about the rising cases of farmers’ suicides, the depletion of the water table; thereby stressing the need to go in for crop diversification and mechanized community farming. He lauded the efforts of the university for conducting such educative fairs which aided the transfer of knowledge to the farmers who are the true beneficiaries. "We accept the challenge"

In his warm and sagacious address, Dr B. S. Dhillon, Vice Chancellor, PAU, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the farmers for adopting the recommendations of the PAU experts from time to time. He encouraged them to keep up with this practice and as a word of caution, also suggested that experimenting new varieties must be limited initially; and that the results and their experiences be shared with scientists which would positively impact future research tremendously. He congratulated his farming brethren who had cooperated immensely in checking the depleting water table; leading to a positive increase of 45% in the state. He expressed his joy in sharing that an overall decrease of Rs 600 crores was witnessed in the consumption of urea, but at the same time he suggested the controlled use of phosphorous rich urea to sustain the biological health of the soil. He also advised the farming community not to resort blindly to the use of pesticides; rather use them sparingly, with discretion. Here he suggested them to resort to manual weeding in case the problem wasn’t severe. Dr Dhillon expressed satisfaction that the white fly menace had been curbed to a large extent by the collective efforts of the state government, the university and the farmers. Further, he also suggested that stubble burning be avoided and to use the same as compost. He stressed the benefits of collective mechanized farming and marketing, which have already yielded a 35% national gain as per the recent data available.

Dr Gumber, who has rendered 15 years of service at KVK, Faridkot, before joining as Director of Research, PAU, announced several new varieties of seeds released by the university. He recommended Wheat 677 and 725, which were immune to yellow and brown rust; African Sarson, which could be threshed and harvested by combines and also yielded more oil; Tomato varieties- Punjab Gaurav, Punjab Sartaj and Punjab Red Cherry; Brinjal- PB HR 42 & 43; Pea- Punjab 89, 83 & 87; Pumpkin- PBH 1 & 2, to name a few. He also recommended varieties of flowering crops such as the Gladiolas- PB 25 and Sweet Peas- PSP 43, 31, 57, 62 & 82. He further informed the audience about the improved packing technology which included the cling film/sheet for increasing the shelf life of vegetables. Dr Gumber suggested the use of the improvised Lucky Seed Drill instead of the traditional suhaga. Further, he insisted on reduced stubble burning of rice straw, which could be achieved by using PAU Happy Seeder which helps to reduce rice straw into mulch as well as helps in retaining moisture. He recommended the use of Canola oil extracted from gobhi sarson and rye. Encouraging the farmers to adopt more scientific manners in farming, he also suggested the use of Biofertilizer Consortium to improve the seed variety and also the adoption of Leaf Colour Chart which would indicate the exact amount of urea to be used. His educative remarks were much appreciated by the farmers present in the audience.

The interactive session among the PAU scientists and the farmers was quite eventful. The experts eagerly answered their queries. Their opinions on various issues were well sought after.

A cultural bonanza was offered to regale the audience. Traditional folk singers and the engaging witty repertoire of Dr. Jaswinder Bhalla, Head, Extension Education, PAU added colour to the atmosphere.

PAU Regional Kisan Melas Kick Start with Ballowal Saunkhri

Kisan Melas Best way to reachout to farmers-Dr. Dhillon

Ludhiana: 9th September 2016: (Punjab Screen Bureau):

The first Kisan Mela of the Rabi season kick start with at Regional Research Station, Ballowal Saunkhri, District Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar. The Mela was inaugurated by Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Member Board of Management while Dr. Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana presided over the function. S. Parmajit Singh, Addiional Deputy Commissioner, Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar and Dr. Jaswant Singh, Chief Agril. Officer were also present on the occasion.

While addressing a huge gathering of farmers and farm women,  the Vice-Chancellor Dr. Baldev Singh Dhillon, Punjab Agricultural University advised them to minimize the use of pesticides while going in for the ones recommended by the University. He also said that use of fertilizers should be done only after getting the soil tested.  Dr Dhillon also motivated the farmers to use the laser land leveler and drip irrigation technique to save water. He also recommended the use of the happy seeder, while cautioning the farmers against burning of the paddy straw.  While highlighting the achievements of PAU, Dr Dhillon thanked the farmers for their support and cooperation in controlling the further depletion of the water table as well as going in for judicious use of pesticides. He urged them to adopt bio fertilizers that help increase micronutrients in the soil. While motivating the farm women to help in subsidiary agricultural practices like mushroom cultivation, bee keeping etc, Dr Dhillon also suggested the need for popularizing lemon grass cultivation and setting up of agro processing units in the Kandi region.

In his address to the audience, Chief Guest, Dr SS Gosal, encouraged the farmers to adopt vegetable cultivation, considering the clean and pollution free environment of the region. While making a point towards maximizing profits by building strong farmer trader linkages, Dr Gosal asked the farmers to go in for organic farming. He also motivated the farmers to curb unnecessary expenditure by adopting the practice of custom hiring of agricultural equipment rather than purchasing the same. “The need of the hour is to inspire the youth to take up agriculture as a profession”, said Dr Gosal.

Dr R.K. Gumber, Director Research , in his address to the farmers recommended the cultivation of oilseeds and pulses for maximum profits. He highlighted various research activities of the university and informed that the new varieties were being developed keeping the environment and the depleting water table in mind.

Earlier, Dr R.S. Sidhu, Director Extension, welcomed the Chief Guest and other important dignitaries. He advised the farmers to strictly follow PAU recommendations and  counseled them to consult the scientists and researchers in case of problems. Also present on the occasion were special Guest of the day, S. Paramjit Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner,Hoshiarpur, officers, scientists and faculty from Punjab Agricultural University and the department of agriculture.

The technical session was coordinated by Dr T.S. Riar, Professor, Department of Extension Education, and experts from the departments of farm power machinery, plant breeding, soil science, vegetable science, entomology, forestry and plant pathology dwelled on various farmer related topics.