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.

Sh. VP Singh Badnore, Governor Punjab Visits Vet Varsity

Wed, Sep 21, 2016 at 8:28 PM

Dr. BS Dhillon, VC of PAU also attended the visit

Ludhiana: 21 September, 2016: (Punjab Screen Bureau):

Sh. VP Singh Badnore, Governor of Punjab today visited Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana. Sh. Badnore visited Dairy Farm, College of fisheries, Poultry Farm and Veterinary Hospital along with Dr Amarjit Singh Nanda, Vice-Chancellor and officers of Varsity. Dr. BS Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor of PAU also attended the visit. Sh. Bandore showed keen interest about the different research points on livestock rearing, feed management, breed improvement and better production. 

While visiting college of fisheries Dr Asha Dhawan, Dean of the college apprised him of various academic, research and extension activities of the college. Sh. Badnore appreciated the on-going research programme towards diversification of fish farming with high value species like catfish and murrels, aquaculture in inland salt affected zero earning wastelands, ornamental fish culture and processing for value addition. He advised faculty to formulate an effective plan for eradicating harmful exotic species like thai magur from the natural resources which is affecting the price native fauna. 

Dr. A L Saini, HoD, livestock production and management showcased a project of students at poultry farm, a business skill model under the title of "Livestock Business Skill Development- Incubation Units" for the Veterinary Students with the objective to impart hands on training to inculcate entrepreneurship in Poultry Farming in the budding scientists/students. Sh.  Badnore also interacted with students about the project.

At Veterinary Clinical Complex Dr. Simrat Sagar Singh, Dean College of Veterinary Science apprised him about the different facilities of the hospital. He explained about the different units of hospital, X-Ray and Surgery unit and Diagnostic lab. The Key departments of the university who are part of animal treatment also showcased their work and described their priorities. 

Sh. Badnore interacted with faculty members and expressed his points of concern to deliver better facilities to farming community.

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.

....when audience waved into the poetry of Dr Patar

Wed, Sep 14, 2016 at 4:42 PM

PAU Young Writers Celebrates its Golden Jubilee

Ludhiana: 14 September 2016:(Punjab Screen Bureau):

The Young Writers’ Association (YWA) of Punjab Agricultural University organized ‘Kalam-Kaafla’ on the campus to commemorate its Golden Jubilee. The programme was held under the able guidance of the PAU Vice-Chancellor, Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon and the Director Students’ Welfare, Dr J.S. Mahal.

           A Padma Shri awardee and an eminent poet, Dr Surjit Patar was the chief guest of the occasion. He congratulated the association on this moment and motivated the students to channelize their energy in positive direction. It was a pleasant moment, when audience waved into the poetry of Dr Patar.

Dr Jaskaran Singh Mahal, Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering and Director Students’ Welfare, highlighted the role of literature in polishing the personality of students.

Dr Devinder Kaur Kocher, President YWA, welcomed the guests and informed that the association was founded on August 26, 1966 by Dr P.N. Thapar, then Vice-Chancellor of PAU. She also presented the genesis of the association during its last 50 years.

Eminent literates and former presidents of YWA like Professor Gurbhajan Gill, Dr Nirmal Jaura, Dr J.S. Nirala and Dr Jagdish Kaur graced the occasion. Literates from within and outside PAU such as Dr M.S. Toor, Smt. Sukhwinder Amrit, Mrs Gurcharan Kaur Kocher, Sh Janmeja Johal, Sh K. Sadhu Singh and Dr P.N. Divedi were also present. 

Dr. Surjit patar said that poetry is like a net of circus which saves us during crisis moments. A line of poetry saves us during ups and downs of life.

      During the celebrations, students of the university showcased performances in musical band, kavishri, choreography, skit and bhangra. They were highly appreciated by the audience. Prize winners of the events held during 2015-16 were also honoured by the chief guest alongwith DSW and Dr H.S. Dhaliwal, Dean, College of Agriculture. Kritika Gupta, Students’ President of the Association, was awarded “The Best Member of the Year.”

     Dr Jagdish Kaur, Additional Director Communication, proposed the vote of thanks and wished that the association will further blossom in the forthcoming years.

Phoolka is not happy with the misbehaviour of the Delhi team

Tue, Sep 13, 2016 at 5:08 PM

A social media campaign started by volunteers

Ludhiana: 13 September 2016: (Punjab Screen Bureau):

File photo by Rector Kathuria for Punjab Screen

AAP Senior leader HS Phoolka’s absence from the Kisan Manifesto Rally has not gone down well with the party volunteers. A social media campaign started by party volunteers from all the parts of the world clearly indicates the concern of the volunteers about the cracks in the senior leadership of the party.

It is said that he is not happy with the misbehaviour of the Delhi team with the volunteers. One of the reasons of Phoolka’s not attending the rally was that a complaint sent by 500 volunteers to the NDC (National Disciplinary Committee) 3 months ago was totally ignored. The people against whom complaint was sent by volunteers were given high positions in the party and these volunteers were sidelined.

The copy of the complaint is enclosed which is self explanatory.

AAP volunteer from Ludhiana, Raj Fateh Singh said that a person named Vikram Mann, who abused senior volunteers of the party and against whom 500 other volunteers filed a complaint with signatures and proofs to the National Disciplinary Committee, no action was taken against Vikram Maan and instead he was appointed In-charge of Dakha constituency. Phoolka ji has decided not to speak to media.

The volunteers of Ludhiana held a meeting and decided that volunteers will come to check the false rumours being spread. Phoolka ji has taken stand to uphold the respect of the volunteers and we have taken a stand to uphold the respect of Phoolka ji. We are issuing it without his approval as we feel it is necessary for us to speak. We know that the above reasons are correct as he has discussed with us many times before.

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.