"Evolve Technologies To Save Water And Environment", Says Finance Minister

Ludhiana, June 25, 2015: The Convocation and Prize Distribution Function of College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) was held today. Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Minister of Finance and Planning, Govt. of Punjab was the Chief Guest. PAU Vice Chancellor, Dr. Baldev Singh Dhillon presided over the Convocation. A total of 112 students were awarded of Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) degrees by the Vice Chancellor.

In his Convocation Address, Mr. Dhindsa said that farm mechanization has played a significant role in Green Revolution. Two major crops of Punjab- wheat and paddy have been adequately mechanized, he said adding that for brining crop diversification in the State, the focus of mechanization has to be shifted to other crops now. Highlighting the problem of environmental pollution due to burning of paddy straw, the Minister said Punjab Government has drafted a policy for efficient disposal of paddy straw. He pointed out that there is dire need to develop machines for effective residue management in paddy.

Lauding the contribution of the PAU, Mr. Dhindsa said that based on the research evidence by the University, the State Government has enacted ‘Punjab Preservation of Sub-Soil Water Act-2009’ which aims to check depletion of underground water by prohibiting the farmers from transplanting paddy before June 15. He said that on-farm water management technologies like laser land leveling, tensiometer based irrigation, adoption of micro-irrigation, direct seeded rice, etc. can play an important role in enhancing the water-use efficiency. “These technologies need to be promoted in a big way”, he said. Mr. Dhindsa further said that development of post-harvest technologies and equipments for value addition and reduction of processing and storage losses need much emphasis in near future. These technologies can play a pivotal role by generating additional income as well as more employment opportunities in villages, he said. Congratulating the graduates, Mr. Dhindsa said that there are tremendous opportunities for them for gainful employment in public and private sector as well as for self employment ventures.

Mr. Dhindsa gave away the gold medals, prizes, merit certificates and trophies to the students. Three students- Monika Singh, Gundeep Singh Kapoor and Sakshi Arora were awarded Gold Medals for securing maximum overall credit point average (OCPA) during their graduation for the sessions 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14, respectively. Eight students were awarded merit certificates for securing OCPA above 8.0 while seven students were awarded running trophies for their excellence in academics. Twenty three students were given College Colours for their excellence in sports and co-curricular activities.

Earlier, Dr. Jaskaran Singh Mahal, Dean of the College welcomed the Chief Guest, Vice Chancellor and other guests. In his Convocation Report, he highlighted the achievements of the College in the field of research, teaching and extension. Dr. Rohinish Khurana, Chairman Teaching Committee of the College co-ordinated the prize distribution ceremony. The Convocation was graced by several noted dignitaries, old faculty members, alumni and parents of the students.