Bright Future for Kandi – Punjab CM Inaugurates PAU’s College of Agriculture

Ludhiana, March 16, 2024:Amrik Singh (Prince)

The Punjab Chief Minister, S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, inaugurated the newly constructed building of the College of Agriculture, Ballowal Saunkhri, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, today. The event, marked by a significant gathering of dignitaries, academics, students, PAU officers, and agricultural community members, celebrated the addition of the sixth constituent college to Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Notable attendees included S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Punjab’s Minister of Agriculture and Farmers ’Welfare, Mr. Ajit Bala Joshi, Secretary of Agriculture, Smt. Santosh Kataria, MLA Balachaur, and local administrators.

In his inaugural address, Chief Minister S. Mann underscored the significance of the

College of Agriculture in addressing the specific needs of the Kandi region. He noted that the new building is poised to become a hub for innovation, research, and education,

equipping students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the agricultural challenges

faced by local farmers. Committing to transforming the agricultural landscape of Kandi, S. Mann acknowledged the resilience of local farmers. He anticipated that the college would play a key role in shaping the future of agriculture in Kandi, cultivating a new generation of agriculturists adept at handling the complexities of the local landscape.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive development across key sectors,

S. Mann outlined the recent budget’s allocation for agriculture, including Rs 575 crore for Crop Diversification Schemes aimed at breaking the wheat-paddy cycle. Similarly, he touched upon the budget allocation for education, which encompasses schools of eminence, schools of brilliance, Skill Education, and Schools of Happiness, as a progressive step towards comprehensive education.

S. Mann also cited several state government initiatives such as ‘Sarkar Aapke Dwaar’,

Aam Aadmi Clinics, provision of free electricity, and women’s self-help groups in district Sangrur for stitching school uniforms, which have begun yielding positive results.

Explaining that the recent Rs 40-crore grant to PAU underscores its contributions to

agricultural productivity and rural development, he emphasized the university’s ongoing responsibility as a research asset, driving agricultural productivity and fostering innovation for the benefit of the farming community and the entire state.

S. Gurmeet S. Khudian spotlighted the government’s achievement of creating over

40,000 jobs for deserving youth in the last two years. He reiterated that these efforts are in line with the CM’s vision of “Rangla Punjab,” aiming for balanced growth and significant development. Concerned over the farmers’ unrest 2.0, he assured that the Punjab Government is committed to working in the best interests of both the farming community and the state.

Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister for allocating a Rs 40-crore grant to PAU in the

recent budget, Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of PAU, described the inauguration at Ballowal Saunkhri College as a significant milestone in Punjab’s

agricultural history. He drew attention to a renewed dedication to education, research,

and sustainable farming practices, envisioning the Kandi region as a model of excellence in agriculture. Dr. Gosal informed that the College, established in 2021, offers a B.Sc.Agri. (Hons) 4-year degree programme with 120 students enrolled currently. He

commended Dr. Manmohanjit Singh, Dean of the new College, for his relentless efforts

in developing its infrastructure.

Smt. Santosh Kataria delivered the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the program. Dr.

Nirmal Jaura, Director of Students ’Welfare at PAU, efficiently conducted the proceedings. The dignitaries were honored with tokens of appreciation by the university’s Vice-Chancellor.