The PAU Kisan Mela series hit its pinnacle of success at KVK, Patiala

22 March, 2024:Amrik Saggu

The PAU Kisan Mela series concluded successfully today at KVK, Patiala, where a large number of farmers gathered to view the mela ground, which was adorned with exhibitions of agricultural machinery, homemade food products, plant nurseries, demonstrations of planting materials, information on seed availability, and farm literature etc. The Mela took place under the theme “Kheti Naal Saahiak Dhanda, Parivar Sukhi Munafa Changa” to emphasize the criticality of implementing integrated farming and supplementary incomes as means to generate income and improve the economic condition of farmers.

In his presidential remarks, the chief guest, Dr. SS Gosal, the vice-chancellor of PAU, honoring the farmers, divulged that the university’s research efforts are centered on addressing the requirements of the farming community. In addition to advising the farmers to select quality hybrid seeds for increased yields, he emphasized the importance of diversifying into ancillary businesses to supplement the primary income with expanded revenue. According to him, the incorporation of auxiliary occupations such as mushroom farming, flower cultivation, beekeeping, fruit and vegetable cultivation, oil seed production, pulse production, dairy farming, and food processing is not only essential for the diversification of agriculture but also for fostering self-sufficiency and economic sustainability. Furthermore, he recommended that the farmers should contemplate the possibility of self-promoting their agricultural products and processed goods, a strategy that would ultimately result in a reduced dependence on the market.

Emphasizing the significance of the vocational training programs offered by the Skill Development Centre of PAU, Dr. Gosal divulged that the University is funding more than 70 start-ups intending to enhance the productivity of farmers and provide them with the necessary resources to surmount challenges encountered in the agricultural sector. He strongly encouraged farmers to participate in training sessions and take the benefits of food processing technologies, such as nitrogen packing and vacuum packaging, specifically designed for processed food items. To stay updated with PAU’s innovative research and a wealth of agricultural information, Dr. Gosal further guided farmers to stay connected with PAU through a resilient social media network established by the university via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and by scanning QR codes to obtain digital access to PAU farm literature like Kheti Sandesh. Expressing his concern over the diminishing water levels in Punjab, he advocated for the adoption of drip irrigation and emphasized the significance of promoting DSR, surface seeding, and mulching technology to address the issue of crop residue. Along with recommending the University’s Kharif 2024 Package of Practices “Punjab Diyan Fasalan Layi Safaarshan,” he emphasized avoiding the use of prohibited pesticides on basmati rice, and preserving soil health via the prudent application of biofertilizers and green manure. Dr. Gosal underscored the efficacy of PAU-developed varieties, such as PR 126 and PR 131 in crop yield enhancements.

The Guest of Honor, Dr. Harjinder Singh Bedi (IAS), ADC Development, Patiala, expressed his gratitude for the substantial turnout of farmers in the Kisan mela, which served as a reminder that agriculture is the principal occupation in Punjab. He advocated for farmers to involve the younger generation in agriculture through the implementation of advanced farming techniques, promotion of organic farming for its health benefits, and support for auxiliary occupations that could increase income.

Dr. Makhan Singh Bhullar, the Director of Extension Education at PAU, referring to the extension activities of PAU, expounded upon the vocational and training programs provided by the university, which emphasized agriculture and allied professions. The aforementioned initiatives encompassed a range of sectors such as agro-processing and value addition, the development of millet-based recipes, bakery and confectionery, garment embellishment, water conservation technologies, crop diversification, improved agronomic practices for various crops, residue management, beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, etc. As elucidated by Dr. Bhullar, a multitude of individuals were empowered and benefited by these programs. He strongly advised the farmers to make prudent use of the available resources, manage small plots of land efficiently, establish nutrition-based kitchen gardens, and promote organic farming as a method to augment their income. In conclusion, he underscored the critical importance of mitigating the declining water table in Punjab and urged agriculturalists to embrace water-efficient cultivars, crop diversification as a means to confront agricultural industry challenges and implementing agribusiness as a strategy to generate employment.

The Additional Director of Research, PAU, Dr. Gurjeet Singh Mangat, underscored the institution’s noteworthy research accomplishments, which include Production-protection technologies, agricultural mechanization, processing, and crop transplantation. His discussion of remote-controlled paddy transplanters and UAV-based sprinkling drones underscored the significance of mechanization in modern agriculture. In addition, he referred to the recently introduced Surface Seeding-cum-Mulching technology to avert stubble burning along with other food processing technologies implemented to transform crop produce into processed products like Angeer and Jamun into products, soyabean powder as a dietary protein supplement, and gulaal from refuse flowers. He confirmed that the university is redirecting its research endeavors towards tackling the emerging obstacles that Punjab Agriculture is currently facing such as climate change, increasing cultivation expenses, the depletion of water resources, and attempts to develop cultivars that are climate resilient, disease resistant, and high yielding. As per his assertion, one of the primary aims of the research conducted by experts from universities is to enhance the nutritional composition of agricultural products. Furthermore, he mentioned crop varieties developed, recommended, and released by the university for widespread cultivation in Punjab that included Punjab Cheena 1 for proso millet, Pusa Basmati 1847 for basmati, Bioseed 9788 and DKC 9144 for maize, and PCB 167 for bajra, Fodder variety J1007 and 1008, Vegetable varieties: Brijal PBHL 56, Melon-Punjab Mithas, Muskmelon- Punjab Amrit; Fruit cultivars: Jammun- Kokan, Gumma etc.

The Chief Agriculture Officer of Patiala, Dr. Jaswinder Singh, described the initiatives undertaken by the departments to aid farmers. He advised the farmers to implement university recommendations in all aspects of farming, including seed selection, pesticide application, soil preparation, and harvesting, to maximize the value of the expert advice. Additionally, he urged farmers to establish communication with agriculture personnel at the block level for their updated information about government initiatives that benefit farmers.

Among the progressive farmers and entrepreneurs being honored by the VC were Harpreet Kaur, Sukhdev Singh, Pardeep Singh, Narinder Singh, Harjeet Kaur, Gurpreet Singh, Lakhwinder Singh, Gurdas Singh, Mahesh Singh, All India radio team Patiala. A woman farmer Mrs. Hope Pozesky from the USA also attended the mela.

The audience was captivated by Ram Singh Albela’s “Zimidara ne mele di shaan wadhauni,” a musical rendition that explored the theme of Kisan melas.

Dr. Gurupdesh Kaur, Incharge, KVK, Patiala proposed the vote of thanks. The proceedings of the day were conducted by Dr. Tejnder Singh Riar, Additional Director of Communication, PAU who advised the farmers to become members of Beekeeper association of PAU and take benefits of training programs. He further strongly advised farmers to buy PAU farm literature on subsidized prices to utilize the expert knowledge of agriculture.