PAU VC HAILS FARMING ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND DIVERSIFICATION BY ALUMNUS

Ludhiana, July 28, 2023: Village Phuglana in Hoshiarpur district is witnessing the remarkable success of a young and enterprising farmer, Amritpal Singh Randhawa, who has been making significant strides in the field of agriculture. Armed with a post-graduate degree from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Ludhiana, Amritpal's journey bears testimony to the transformative impact of education and passion for agriculture.

Having excelled in turmeric cultivation and processing, Randhawa's agricultural achievements have earned him recognition as an exemplary agricultural entrepreneur. The high-quality turmeric powder produced by him has garnered impressive returns, providing a solid foundation for his subsequent ventures.

Venturing beyond turmeric, Amritpal diversified his agricultural portfolio to include the cultivation of peach, plum, carrot and potato. Additionally, he established a cold storage facility, further enhancing his agricultural enterprises. His multifaceted approach has showcased the potential of education and innovation in driving positive change in agriculture.

Recently, Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, the Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, visited Randhawa's farm to witness his brilliance in agriculture diversification. Dr. Gosal lauded Amritpal's dedication to sustainable practices and entrepreneurial spirit, stating, "Amritpal Singh Randhawa's achievements exemplify the 'farm-to-plate' concept." He also advised him to explore new marketing skills and packaging techniques to further boost his brand.

The visit included the presence of agricultural experts, such as Dr. Tarsem Singh Dhillon, Head of the Department of Vegetable Science, who discussed the excellence of the area in vegetable production. Dr. Dhillon advised farmers to adopt mulching in turmeric production for better weed management and higher yields. Other vegetable experts namely, Dr. SK Jindal, Dr. Harpal Singh Bhullar, and Dr. Navjot Singh Brar, were also present during the visit. They engaged with Randhawa, exchanging ideas and insights to further enhance his agricultural practices.

Following the farm visit, Dr. Gosal stopped over at the Vegetable Research Farm in Khanaura (Hoshiarpur) to get first-hand information about the farm development and ongoing activities. The nursery of short-duration PR 126 paddy variety is being grown at the farm for distribution among the flood-hit areas of Punjab.

Amritpal Singh Randhawa's success story serves as an inspiration to aspiring farmers and highlights the importance of education, innovation, and sustainable practices in driving agricultural transformation. With continued support from experts and the agricultural community, his ventures are expected to grow from strength to strength, benefiting not only himself but also the farming community at large.