Friday, February 4, 2011

ANNUAL FUNCTION OF PAU KISAN CLUB HELD

LUDHIANA,

The 45th annual function of PAU Kisan Club, was organized today at Kairon Kisan Ghar. A large number of farmers and farm women hailing from different parts of the state participated. Dr Manjit Singh Kang, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), was the chief guest while Dr. Gurbachan Singh, Agricultural Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, and S. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Chairman Punjab Agro Industry Corporation were the guests of honour. Speaking on this occasion, Dr Kang said that the role played by hard working and forward looking farmers of the state is well recognized in bringing about an improvement in food production scenario of the country. Highlighting the contribution made by PAU toward developing and popularizing improved varieties and technologies, Dr. Kang said that PAU depends on feedback of farmers to devise need based research and extension programmes. He said that there is a strong liaison between PAU scientists and PAU Kisan Club. The synergy between research, education, technology transfer, industry, farmers and other stakeholders has helped PAU deliver the desired output, observed Dr. Kang adding that recently PAU has bagged several awards and distinctions. Dr. Kang informed that in March Kisan Mela of PAU several dignitaries from abroad will be participating. He elaborated that PAU has been awarded a mega project on wheat genomics, worth over rupees 18.00 crore and that the Universities like Walter Sisulu University of South Africa is keen to adopt Punjab model for rural and agricultural development. He suggested the Club to bring out a volume on success stories of progressive farmers.

Dr. Gurbachan Singh said that to give an impetus to pulse production, accelerated pulse production programme under national food security mission in seven states has been started. He said that the country imports around 3.5 million ton of pulses now and that with the programmes started, 16-20 lakh ton more production is expected. \'Economic equilibrium between rice-wheat and other crops systems of diversification is a must\', remarked Dr. Singh. He said that PAU is well known for its pro-farming policies and programmes. With the new programmes aimed at enhancing production and protection against diseases like yellow rust and abiotic stresses, like terminal heat, the country can expect to have around 82 million ton of wheat. Dr. Singh said that three challenges namely water shortage, labour shortage and problems of small holdings are of great concern. He emphasized that currently 83% water is used in agriculture and that there will be a decrease in the availability in the next decade for which need based varieties and water use efficiency techniques were requried. Dr. Singh said that currently protected cultivation, hybrid rice and eco-friendly technologies hold great meaning. He said that implementation and monitoring of various schemes and policies must be made meticulous. He suggested that the scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Department of Agriculture need to work on one platform for desirable output of technology transfer. He said that agriculture must grow at an average rate of 4% for which productivity potential of Kandi areas need to harnest in addition to maintaining soil health. Blended bags of fertilizers and nutrient cocktails need to be developed in relation to the fertilizer maps of different regions, he suggested adding that there is great scope of inter-state agreements for exchange of scientists and farmers. An eminent scientist from Kansas State University, Dr. Bikram Gill, also shared his views and highlighted that the farmer-scientists linkages of PAU are well known.

S. Dhillon dwelt on the prospects and problems of Punjab agriculture. He said that due to the multifarious activities of PAU Kisan Club, it has a membership of over 6700. Lauding the role of PAU in the development of agriculture in the state, S. Dhillon said that the prosperity of farmers and farming over a period of time is due to the vital role played by PAU scientists. He said that the minimum support price of commodities must be linked to price index as input costs were increasing. He suggested that better storage facilities were badly required to minimize losses of foodgrains. He said that diversification toward high value crops such as kinnow and vegetables hold a scope for enhancing farmers profitability. S. Dhillon announced a grant of rupees two lacs to the PAU Kisan Club on behalf of the Agricultural Minister, Punjab, S. Sucha Singh Langah.

Addressing the gathering, Dr M.S.Gill, Director of Extension Education said that PAU is a leading agricultural university in establishing the plant health clinics at all its 17 Krishi Vigyan Kendras. He announced that on March 10 this year, a Kisan Mela at Faridkot will also be held in addition to five others. He highlighted the new innovations in the extension systems of PAU.

Dr S.S. Gosal, Director of Research, throwing light on the research highlights of PAU, said that PAU has so far released 693 varieties of 95 crops besides developing production and protection technologies. He said that PAU has slated programmes on potato especially for producing seed free from late blight of potato and viruses. He highlighted that the University has a plan to make available cloned plants of popular from January, 2012.

President of the Club, Mr P.P.S. Pangli read out the annual report and highlighted the activities and achievements of Kisan Club. A souvenir 2011 of PAU Kisan Club, carrying the messages of Vice-Chancellor and other dignitaries, was released on this occasion. An impressive exhibition by PAU departments, banks, NGOs was organized that showcased new technologies and facilities for farmers. The PAU publications stall attracted farmers to a great extent.

At the annual function, the awards and certificates were distributed to the progressive members including farm women. Sh. Amarjit Singh, from Bhure Kalan (Ferozepur) was bestowed with Sh. Darshan Singh Grewal memorial Award and Parmjit Kaur, from Lohara, was conferred with Smt. Jagbir Kaur Grewal Memorial Award. Besides this, 24 other awards and seven consolation prizes were given to the innovative farmers and entrepreneurs. The technical speakers delivered a thought provoking lecture on production of natural vinegar and non-alcoholic self carbonated beverages, agricultural credit facilities for farmers of Punjab and cost effective agriculture.

Earlier, Dr T.S. Riar, Programme Coordinator, welcomed the Chief Guest, members and the participants. Dr. (Mrs.) Rupinder Kaur, Programme Coordinator, proposed a vote of thanks.




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