Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Farmers flock to PAU on Day 2 of Kisan Mela, draw inspiration from Agricultural technologies, demonstrations
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana (Punjab), March 22, 2025: The second day of the Kisan Mela at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) witnessed an overwhelming response from farmers across Punjab, who arrived in large numbers to explore field demonstrations, technology stalls, and expert interactions.
The sprawling university campus was abuzz with activity as farmers engaged with scientists, explored advanced agricultural tools, purchased certified seeds, saplings, farm literature, and visited stalls featuring self-help groups and agro-industrial innovations.
Presiding over the special ceremony held at Open Air Theatre, Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice Chancellor, PAU, welcomed the distinguished guests and lauded the enthusiasm of the farming community. Prominent dignitaries present included Dr. Rajbir Singh Brar, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR; Shri Sanjeev Arora, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha); Dr. Gurdev Singh Khush, Adjunct Professor Emeritus, University of California; S. Harchand Singh Barsat, Chairman, Punjab Mandi Board; Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Chairman, Punjab State Farmers' and Farm Workers’ Commission; Harpreet Singh Sandhu, Punjab State Information Commissioner; Dr. Rajinder Singh Ranu, Colorado State University; and senior administrators of PAU including Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, and Dr. Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension Education. Special guests also included Shri Madhukar Gupta, Chief Election Commissioner, Rajasthan; Shri Harvir Singh, Special Chief Secretary, Punjab; and Shri Parwinder Shergill, Director, ICAR-ATARI.
Dr. Gosal spoke on PAU’s growing global reach, noting that the Mela is now broadcast online, allowing knowledge to transcend borders. He highlighted PAU’s infrastructure expansion, including global-level improvements to the university library initiated by Punjab Mandi Board Chairman S. Harchand Singh Barsat. Recalling issues in the paddy procurement season last year, he urged farmers to complete sowing of PR 126 before July 15.He emphasized that PAU does not recommend hybrid rice and encouraged farmers to retain and reuse seeds of university-developed varieties.
Addressing concerns about pesticide residue in basmati rice, he promoted the use of Trichoderma for residue-free cultivation and encouraged diversification with indigenous cotton.Dr. Rajbir Singh Brar commended the PAU model of farmer interaction and knowledge dissemination through Kisan Melas.
He noted that such events are essential for national agricultural progress and pledged to facilitate participation of farmers from other states in future melas.
Applauding PAU’s Krishi Vigyan Kendras, he called for water conservation campaigns and encouraged the adoption of PAU-certified seed, fruit saplings, and technology-based practices.
Sanjeev Arora, Rajya Sabha MP, recalled the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” and commended Punjab’s farmers for their historic role in achieving national food security.
He urged farmers to embrace scientific recommendations, diversify crops, and stay updated with modern farming practices.Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Chairman of the Punjab State Farmers’ and Farm Workers’ Commission, called PAU the nursery of agricultural scientists.
He said the state’s farm policy aims to guide farmers out of distress through strategic planning and stressed the need for cooperative structures and youth employment through agriculture.
Harchand Singh Barsat said the Kisan Mela provides an ideal platform to explore AI-driven agri-solutions and opens employment avenues. He assured reforms in national marketing policies to benefit Punjab’s farming community.Information Commissioner Harpreet Singh Sandhu also addressed the gathering.
Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt shared the latest recommendations for kharif crops, including new varieties such as PR 132 (paddy), PMH 17 (maize), Punjab Kangni (millet), and others in potato, carrot, chrysanthemum, raspberry, and gladiolus.
He emphasized PAU's 971 crop variety releases so far and encouraged farmers to enhance productivity and profitability through research-backed methods.
Earlier, Dr. Makhan Singh Bhullar delivered the welcome address, encouraging farmers to attend training programs and explore cost-effective technologies.Dr. Tarsem Singh Dhillon proposed the vote of thanks. The event was moderated by Dr. Tejinder Singh Riar, Additional Director (Communication).
A cultural programme featuring vibrant performances by artists added celebratory fervor to the occasion.