Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Regional Research Station Bathinda witnesses unprecedented farmer turnout at Kisan Mela
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana, September 27, 2024: A huge turnout of farmers was witnessed at the Kisan mela held today at Regional Research Station Bathinda. The Mela, empowered by the theme "Kudarati somey bachao, sab laiye khushali liyao" (Save natural resources, bring prosperity for all) focused on promoting the conservation of essential natural resources like water, soil, and air to ensure Punjab’s sustainable future.
Farmers thronged the Mela grounds in myriad numbers to reap the benefits of scientific knowledge and extension services.
The Kisan Mela was made successful by the live demonstrations, display of planting materials, ready-availability of seeds and easy accessibility of farm literature and a fruitful discourse of famers with the scientists of PAU.
Chief Guest of the occasion, Dr Sukhpal Singh, Chairman of the Punjab State Farmers & Farm Workers' Commission graced the event as the Chief Guest. While addressing the gathering, Dr Sukhpal Singh announced plans for a reformed agricultural policy to provide relief to farmers, critiquing the current MSP model and advocating for a 50% increase.
He emphasized strengthening cooperative societies and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and introduced the “Pani Bachao, Paisa Kamao” initiative to conserve water while rewarding farmers for sustainable practices.
While divulging about the policy, he emphasized that for the first time the policy also addresses the concerns of farm laborers and farm women.
Dr Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, PAU, Ludhiana while welcoming the Chief Guest, urged the farmers to heed to the recommendations made by the university, optimize on-farm integration of farm enterprises and employ subsidiary occupations to supplement farm incomes. Further, he advised them to attend the mela in large numbers and draw benefits from the research of the PAU scientists.
He also urged them to become self-sufficient in terms of employment and to create job opportunities for others on their agricultural land.
He emphatically told them to be a part of the PAU training programmes organized from time to time and set up their own enterprises for maximum financial gains. He exhorted them to make judicious use of the resources and manage small land holdings effectively, build kitchen gardens and promote organic farming for better income.
He discussed the technologies developed by PAU to prepare products from Angeer, Jamun and soybean powder to supplement protein in diet and the preparation of Gulaal from waste flowers.
While thanking the farmers, he asserted that the enthusiasm and participation of farmers indicate a strong interest in gaining scientific knowledge and availing of extension services.In the end, he stressed upon the dire need to address the depleting water table in Punjab and urged the farmers to use varieties that utilize less water.
Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, PAU, spoke about the varying climatic conditions, depleting water resources and rising costs of cultivation.
He also shared information about new crop varieties released by PAU and emphasised on the importance of adopting an agribusiness module, highlighting the development of high-protein soy powder and extruded millet-based snacks (pasta, porridge, cookies, cake, muffins, bread, rass, gachak, pinni, roti, pranatha, panjiri, flakes, etc.) as examples of innovative food processing techniques. He also discussed remote-based Paddy Transplanter and UAV-based drones for spraying.
He informed that the university has developed and recommended more than 950 crop varieties till date. Dr Dhatt also shared the significant characteristics of the newly developed crop varieties comprising PBW Biscuit 1 of wheat, PHR 127 of raya-sarson, PGSH 2155 of gobhi sarson and OL 17 of javi.
He advocated the adoption of less-water guzzling paddy varieties like PR 126; besides, proposing the latest production and protection technologies in wheat, cotton, oilseeds and pulses.
Dr Dhatt also laid emphasis on organic farming, natural resource management techniques, green manuring, tar-wattar DSR, biogas generation from paddy straw, nursery raising techniques, nutrition and kitchen garden models, vegetable hybrids etc.
The Mela also witnessed the felicitation of research scientists Dr O.P Chaudhary, Dr Jaswinder Kaur Brar and Dr A. S Sidhu for their exemplary service to the University. Along with this, Surjit Singh Dhillon award was also granted to S. Kuldeep Singh Suriawala for their service to the progress and growth of farm community.
Harnek Singh Tarkhanwala, continuing with his tradition of contributing to the endowment fund of the University, this year gave Rs. 6000/- for the development and growth of agricultural research.
The occasion also saw the felicitation of Gurbhajan Singh Sewa Samiti Society for their honourable work in the field of social impact.
Their immense contribution in renovating the building of the hospital, awarding farmers who work for underground water conservation, plastic waste management, awarding farmers who avoid paddy stubble burning and many more such social endeavours have generated a positive impact on the social fabric.
Finally, Dr Karamjit Singh Sekhon, Director, Regional Research Station, Bathinda thanked the Chief Guest, Dr Sukhpal Singh, Dr Dhatt, Director of Research, Dr M S Bhullar, Director of Extension Education along with scientists and farmers for their collective effort to improve the agricultural sector of Punjab.
Dr T.S Riar, Additional Director of Communication, urged the farmers to stay connected to the University through its digital newspaper Kheti Sandesh, weekly Facebook Live farmer-scientist interface, PAU Kisan App, WhatsApp groups etc., apart from subscribing to magazines Changi Kheti and Progressive Farming and other farm publications. He exhorted that "Karoge gal tah milega kheti samasayain da hal" (Talking will help in solving problems of agriculture).
Dr Gurjinder Singh Romana, Principal Agricultural Economist, Bathinda, coordinated the programme and highlighted PAU’s efforts to disseminate critical agricultural information through various media channels. He encouraged farmers to take full advantage of PAU’s expertise by connecting through social media and digital platforms.
Earlier, technical experts from the University addressed the various concerns of the farmers and informed them about the latest technologies propagated by the University. The swarm of farmers was also entertained with a musical extravaganza lending a cultural tinge to the event.