Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
PAU hosts fruit and vegetable growers’ meet to address farmers’ challenges, promote scientific cultivation
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana (Punjab), July 19, 2025: Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, organized a joint meeting of the Farmers' Committee and fruit and vegetable growers at the Pal Auditorium today.
The gathering saw active participation from PAU officials, fruit and vegetable experts, and a large number of farmers from across the region.
The primary focus of the meeting was to deliberate on the challenges faced by farmers in fruit and vegetable cultivation and to explore viable solutions through expert consultation and scientific practices.
Dr. Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, PAU, welcomed the attendees and emphasized the importance of shifting towards market-driven fruit and vegetable cultivation.
He highlighted that with today’s consumers becoming increasingly conscious about nutrition, farmers must adopt scientific farming practices to meet evolving demands.He also encouraged the use of PAU’s recommended crop varieties and farming technologies.
Special Guest on the occasion, Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, PAU, addressed the audience, sharing that PAU’s Vegetable Research Centre has achieved tremendous national recognition. He provided insights into the university’s latest research initiatives, particularly in potato seed technology and fruit cultivation.
Notably, he discussed advancements in dragon fruit, guava, and improved kinnow varieties.Dr. Dhatt appreciated the participation of progressive farmers and acknowledged their role in agricultural innovation.
Dr. G.P.S. Sodhi, Additional Director of Extension Education, PAU, presented a report on the proceedings of the previous meeting, affirming that PAU and its regional research centres prioritize farmers’ concerns and continuously work to resolve them.
Dr. Tejinder Singh Riar, Additional Director of Communication, PAU, raised farmers’ concerns during the session. Farmers proposed incorporating maize and other alternate crops into the traditional wheat-paddy cycle to enhance sustainability.
They also sought information on PAU’s ongoing research and raised pertinent questions regarding reducing moisture in paddy and basmati, effective utilization of low-quality water, scientific basmati cultivation, organic farming, and the development of new orchards.
Experts from various departments of the university provided on-the-spot insightful responses to farmers’ queries. All suggestions and concerns were documented for further action, with follow-up discussions scheduled for the next meeting.