ADOPT JUDICIOUS USE OF RESOURCES FOR OPTIMUM PROFIT: S. LANGAH

SEPTEMBER 27:---



The kisan mela was organized by Punjab Agricultural University today at its Regional Station, Gurdaspur that drew a huge rush of farmers and farm women from Gurdaspur and adjoining districts. The Chief Guest, S. Sucha Singh Langah, Hon\'ble Agriculture Minister, Punjab inaugurated the mela.The PAU Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Baldev Singh Dhillon, presided over while the members of PAU Board of Management, Dr. Baldev Singh Boparai and S Hardev Singh Riar graced the occasion as guests of honour. There was an unprecedented rush of people at the mela. The Deputy Commissioner, Gurdaspur Mr. Mohinder Singh Kainth was special guest on the occasion. S. Langah said unwise farm practices were largely responsible for pollution of natural resource-base of soil, water and air. If we fail to take the needed measures, there could be a terrible situation in the future. He said excessive wastage of water has not only depleted the underground water table but at the same time, reckless use of fertilizers and pesticides have polluted the water, making it unfit for drinking in some areas. If we continue with this trend, it is feared that "Punjab will no longer be an affluent state," he said adding that adopting scientific advice will benefit. S. Langah said that "Too much dependence on hired labour is not a healthy sign and will tend to escalate cultivation cost\". He expressed great concern that farmers do not persuade their children to farming.



The Punjab Government is encouraging small farmers to market their produce themselves and even to export to earn better income. Only those farmers having contact with the extension and research agencies will be at advantage, he said. He appreciated PAU for developing the need-based technologies aimed at natural resource conservation, enhancing farmers\' profitability and conserving environment.



The Vice Chancellor Dr. Dhillon said PAU was the first university in the country to organize a kisan mela way back in 1967. Now the kisan melas have become a knowledge bridge between farmers and scientists. Farmer's feed-back, based upon their field experience has become a guiding force for the research in the University, he said. Dr. Dhillon said the PAU has well tested linkages between Government and farmers that is vital for achieving greater milestones in the future. He said by adopting eco-wise farm practices, farmers not only can stop this damage, but also increase their profits from farming. He said that to educate the farmers about the value of natural resources, the PAU has given its kisan mela a theme 'Conserve earth, water and air for posterity. "Using too much fertilizers and pesticides is not only harmful for the soil, but is also expensive", he remarked. He advised farmers to say no to the practice of burning of paddy straw in the fields and appended to the Government to ban it through law as the practices leads to loss of soil nutrients, useful microbes, pollution of environment and health hazards.



Dr. Dhillon said that for learning about new farm technology and scientific farming practices, farm literature plays an important role. He announced that to increase the outreach of PAU farm literature it will be made available online.Dr. Dhillon said that this century old Gurdaspur Station has a special place for the development of farm technology. The station is referred to as a \'hot spot\' for testing wheat and other crop varieties against diseases.



Mr Kainth highlighted different schemes and activities of the district for the farming community. He suggested farmers to adopt subsidiary enterprises for the upliftment of their socio economic status. Panchayat of village Viram was honoured by the chief guest for contributing toward the research fund of PAU.



Dr. R.K.Mahey spoke about the research output of PAU and said that focus is being laid on developing technologies that are eco-friendly, cost-effective, user-friendly and socially acceptable. He informed that new varieties of wheat possess high yield and tolerance to diseases like rusts. The variety PBW 621 seeds of which were given to farmers is resistant to yellow and brown rust and matures in 158 days. Another wheat variety HD 2967 has also been released this year, he said adding that net house cultivation of vegetables has a scope in farming. PAU will start distributing nursery of poplar and seed of potato in the beginning of next year, he said.

Earlier, Dr. Harjit Singh Dhaliwal, Additional Director of Extension Education informed that to extend the services of PAU to farmers, 17 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and 12 Farm Advisory Service Schemes (FASS) have been established in the State. New farm knowledge and its wise use is the need of the hour, he said. Students of Institute of Agriculture performed Bhangra on the occasion which was highly appreciated by the dignitaries and chief guest.
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