FARMER FIRST PROJECT KICKS OFF IN DHURI (SANGRUR) WITH PROMISING SUPPORT FROM PAU EXPERTS

Ludhiana, July 26, 2023: In a promising development for the farming community, the Farmer FIRST Project aiming to uplift the status of farmers and augment their income, kicked off under the aegis of the Directorate of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU).

The project led by Dr Kuldeep Singh, Professor and Head, Department of Extension Education, is set to bring about a positive transformation in the lives of farmers in the region. In line with the project's mandate, Dr Singh paid a visit to the newly adopted villages, Bhojowali and Bhadalwadh of Dhuri (Sangrur) where he interacted with the farmers, and sensitized them about the initiatives and objectives. The main focus is on introducing advanced agricultural practices, provide technical know-how, and create sustainable avenues for farmers to improve their livelihood.

Assuring the farmers of unwavering support, Dr Singh conveyed that the university would extend its assistance in implementing the latest agricultural technologies and practices for natural resource management, crop diversification, subsidiary occupation, vegetable cultivation and animal husbandry practices. With the university's guidance, the farmers are set to benefit from research-based approaches and innovative solutions tailored to the region's specific needs, he added.

During the visit, Dr Gurveer Kaur, an expert in food processing, shared valuable insights with the farmers about various avenues for enhancing their income through agricultural processing. She emphasized the significance of efficient post-harvest handling, value addition, and processing techniques to maximize returns.

A PAU awardee farmer Sardar Harwinder Singh from the adopted village Bhadalwadh, urged his fellow farmers to proactively engage with PAU specialists, attend training programs, and stay updated on the latest agricultural research. The farmers expressed their concerns, and aspirations for the project's endeavors, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions and practical approaches tailored to their unique circumstances. Farmers also assured full support to the team for project implementation in the villages.