Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Kapurthala: PAU VC praises “Punjab Amrit” melon variety, encourages crop diversification
Babushahi Bureau
Kapurthala (Punjab), June 1, 2025: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kapurthala in collaboration with the Department of Vegetable Science, PAU, Ludhiana Organized a field day on muskmelon variety “ Punjab Amrit “ under the able guidance of worthy vice-chancellor, Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal at Isha Singh Dhot Farm, Barindpur.
In this field day, more than 70 melon growers of nearby villages participated.Farmers compared the variety “Punjab Amrit “ with “Bobby “ hybrid with respect to its better taste, shelf life, size and yield.
Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal Vice-chancellor and chief guest of this field day, discussed about the role of PAU in development of agriculture from 1962 to 2025.He stressed upon the diversification through vegetable crops especially potato, pea, muskmelon and watermelon etc.
He was delighted to see the activeness of youth in agriculture at this village. He stressed upon the benefits of vegetable cultivation in today's era due to nutritional security.
He urges the farmers for the conjunctive use of water and fertilizers in different crops.Dr. Harinder Singh, Associate Director (Training), KVK, Kapurthala, welcomed all the dignitaries and farmers at the demonstration area of muskmelon. He elaborated the strategic plan for the diffusion of this new variety of muskmelon.
Dr. Amandeep Kaur, Associate professor (Vegetables), informed the area specific crops in district Kapurthala. She stressed upon the niche area of melons along with status of paddy- potato-muskmelon/spring maize crop system.
Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, PAU, Ludhiana, discussed about the success of new variety was only based on farmer adoption at their farm.He stressed upon the newly released varieties of potato and muskmelon by PAU which have great potential to compete with private varieties/hybrids.
He highlighted the benefits of PR-126 rice. This variety will easily fit into different cropping system of this potato and muskmelon area of Punjab. PBW-826 was the new promising variety of wheat, he added.
Dr. Tarsem Singh Dhillon, ADEE, PAU, Ludhiana, highlighted the strong extension system of PAU.He stressed upon the strategic relationship of farmers and extension scientist of PAU for exchange of new innovation and technology developed by PAU.
Dr. Sat Pal Sharma, Head, Department of Vegetable Science, discussed the breeding procedure of muskmelon and potato. He gave tribute to Dr, Nandpuri by this variety of muskmelon.
Dr. Dilpreet Talwar, Extension Scientist (Vegetables), discussed the different production practices of muskmelon. While Dr. Suman Kumari, Assistant Professor (Entomology) elaborated the different plant protection measures in muskmelon.
S. Isha Singh, S. Tarlochan Singh, S. Nirmal Singh, S. Amarbir Singh Dhindsa and S. Mohan Meena, progressive farmers of this district shared their experiences of Punjab Amrit Variety of muskmelon.
Dr. Bindu, Professor (Agri Eng.), Smt. Avneet Kaur, Associate Professor (Home Scienc), Amandeep Kaur, M.Sc. Student and Menda. Sai Sindhu, Ph.D. Vegetable science scholars were also present on this occasion.
Dr. Parvinder Singh, Incharge, Farm Advisory Service centre Tarn Taran cum US Usman, proposedthe vote of thanks to all the farmers and dignitaries.