Farmers ‘raunak’ of kisan mela, participate alongwith your families: PAU VC calls upon agri-community 

Ludhiana, September 9, 2024: With the Kisan Mela approaching on September 13-14 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, preparations are in full swing for the successful conduct of the mela which was a repository of the latest crop varieties and agricultural technologies as well as echoed farmers and scientists’ invincible bond. Diverting the attention of the farmers towards the serious issues of depleting groundwater table and deteriorating soil health, the mela would give a wake-up call to the rural community to save natural resources as well as be happy and prosperous through its theme, “Kudarati somey bachao, sab laiye khushali liyao.”

Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, while inviting the farming community and their families to the mela, said, “You are the raunak (grace) of the mela since its inception in 1967. No matter whatever adversaries have come in the way, PAU and farmers have refused to flinch and fought the challenges in unison, thus securing the entire nation by filling the granaries and making the small state the ‘Bread Basket of India.’ Together, this show (agricultural journey) must go on.” Since natural resource depletion has taken a toll on Punjab’s agriculture sector, it was important to reiterate the emphasis on water and soil health conservation for the benefit of future generations, he observed. “Come to the mela and gain invigorating experience by sharing your agri-problems and receiving solutions, purchasing high-quality seed of rabi crops as well as planting material and biofertilizers, learning advanced farm technologies, buying new farm publications and visiting agri-industrial exhibition,” he said to the farmers.

Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research, said, “Quality seeds produced by PAU continue to be the grand magnet in every Kisan Mela.” The University has gratefully acknowledged the farmers’ first preference for PBW 826 variety of wheat, which has been developed and released by the PAU at the national level as well, he stated. Besides, four other varieties - PBW 1 Zn, PBW Zinc 2, PBW RS 1 and PBW 1 Chapatti were also among the most favoured wheat varieties, he added. To advocate diversification, PAU has recommended two new varieties GSH 2155, a canola type gobhi sarson hybrid; and hybrid PHR 127 of raya, he divulged.

Dr MS Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, PAU, observed that curbing air pollution and sustaining biodiversity were the prime focus of the University, keeping in mind the advancement of paddy harvesting season. Live field demonstrations on paddy residue management and wheat sowing would be organised during the mela, he informed, while calling upon the farmers not to torch paddy straw and save precious natural resources.