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.

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.

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. 

PAU VC Addresses media on whitefly incidence

We can manage whitefly incidence-Dr. Dhillon

Ludhiana:5th August 2016:

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

Addressing the press conference on ‘whitefly incidence’ today, Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and Head, Inter-state Monitoring Committee on White fly, said that the University scientists and the State Department of Agriculture were making all out efforts to control whitefly. He stated, “We expect we can manage whitefly incidence.” In Khuian Sarwar village of Fazilka district, whitefly attack on cotton is a matter of concern, he told. But according to the comparative study of white fly incidence during 2015 and 2016, the incidence is less this year, he said. 

Dr Dhillon disclosed that Punjab Government has provided Rs 70 lakh for research in this direction and has recruited 500 scouts and 50 field supervisors to check infested cotton fields and prevent damage to the cotton crop. “PAU has been focusing on clean cultivation, good quality seed, timely sowing, proper monitoring and timely remedial action, quality control of pesticides, and creating awareness about identification of severity of incidence and management methods,” he informed. Further, Dr Dhillon said that PAU has also deployed faculty and students for monitoring and management of the menace. Besides, farmers’ training camps were organized by the University in addition to bringing out a crop calendar and a literature on cotton, he told. Not only this, the University has imparted trainings to pesticide dealers, and organized several radio/TV talks on management of insect-pests of cotton, he added.

Referring to ploughing up of cotton fields, Dr Dhillon said that there were many factors responsible for the same like fear among farmers due to last year’s attack, early appearance of whitefly, new tubewell connections, poor crop stand due to hailstorm, etc.

           Talking about the status of insecticides, he said that the recommendations (insecticides) made by PAU killed 70-90 per cent of whitefly whereas other recommendations killed only 25-30 per cent of whitefly. “PAU has recommended six insecticides for whitefly control,” he revealed. As told by the senior official of PAU that the area under cotton in the state has slipped from 4.00 lakh hectares to 2.57 lakh hectares, Dr Dhillon said, “Seeing the present growth of the crop, we expect normal yield.”

           Dr Dhillon also said that cotton cultivation in Punjab differed from that in Haryana. Long term strategy has been planned among PAU, Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (Haryana); Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner (Rajasthan); RS- Central Institute for Cotton Research, he added.

Present on the occasion were Dr P.K. Khanna, Registrar; Dr R.S. Sidhu, Director of Extension Education; Dr R.K. Gumber, Director of Research and Dr Balwinder Singh, former Director of Research, PAU.