CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES FOR COMING GENERATIONS: BALWINDER SINGH BHUNDER

LUDHIANA, SEPTEMBER 27:-



The seventh Kisan Mela, the last in the series, by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) was organized today at its Regional Research Station, Bathinda. The mela, which showcased farm technologies for the forthcoming Rabi season, saw huge participation of farmers from Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.



S. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Member Parliament, inaugurated the mela while PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Baldev Singh Dhillon presided over. Dr. Jairup Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, was the special guest.



Addressing the farmers S. Bhunder said that Punjab farmers have made great strides to boost the agriculture in Punjab & contributed a lot in making India, a self sufficient nation. Praising farmers for their hard work, S. Bhunder said, Punjabi farmer have no parallel in the world, but in spite of his hard work he is not getting good returns. In recent years, the prices of agricultural inputs have sky rocketed, but there is no corresponding increase in the MSP, he said, adding that the farmers' profits from farming have greatly reduced. He was critical of the central Govt. for its 'pro- industry & anti- farmer' policies. He called upon the farmers to shift, at least ¼ of their farming area to crops, other than wheat and rice. He was also critical about inadequate storage facilities and shortage of bags during last harvesting. About the mela theme, "Pawan Guru Paani Pita Mata Dharat Mahat" he said, Guru Nanak could visualize the importance of water, soil & air, some 600 years ago & his words are quite relevant today. Urging the farmers to practice environment friendly technologies he said "we must adopt a simple life style & preserve water and environment for the coming generation".



In his presidential address, Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon said that Kisan Melas provide opportunities to farmers to keep abreast with the latest developments in agriculture through their face-to-face interaction with university scientists, adding that such interactions are helpful for the scientists in reorientation of their research. He said that research at PAU is focused towards developing technologies for conserving natural resources and enhancing farmers' income. Highlighting the problems of water and soil, Dr Dhillon elaborated that the PAU scientists have developed need-based, region and crop-specific technologies. He said that Kisan Melas provide two-way communication channel and urged farmers to give their innovative ideas as feedback to PAU scientists. He expressed that cooperative actions were required in farm mechanization and marketing. He advised the farmers about processing & selling their produce although at small level. He gave the example of chickpea & said farmers can clean and make small packs to sell at small counters. He informed that university is developing technology for the production of bio-gas from paddy straw. Today's agriculture has become greatly knowledge–intensive and to succeed, a regular contact with farm experts is a must, stressed Dr Dhillon. He also thanked and honoured six farmers who contributed towards PAU endowment fund.





Dr. P.S. Chahal, the PAU Associate Director of Research while highlighting the research achievements of the university said that focus is being laid on developing technologies that are eco-friendly, cost-effective and user-friendly. Dr. Chahal informed that PAU, since its inception, has released 707 varieties of different crops, of which 117 have been recommended at the national level. He said, PAU aims at evolving crop varieties that are high-yielding, have better processing quality and are tolerant to stresses. He mentioned that in view of the climate change, efforts are on to develop new heat tolerant varieties of wheat. He further informed that PAU has recently released a variety of Sunflower PSH 996 – which matures in 96 days. The university has also evolved a few water saving technologies like laser land leveller, tensiometer and optimum irrigation schedules for various crops, he said.



Earlier, the PAU Director of Extension Education, Dr. M.S. Gill while welcoming the Chief Guest, VC, special guest and farmers emphasized that farmers should rigorously follow the recommendations and advice of PAU experts. He said farmers could enhance their profitability through starting auxiliary occupations such as bee-keeping, poultry, dairy, nursery production, mushroom growing etc. He suggested the farmers to keep a liaison with farm experts. \"Farmers should stay connected with PAU experts at Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Farm Advisory Service Scheme and the Regional Stations to know the latest developments in agriculture\", he said. He expressed great satisfaction that a large number of farmers have shown their enthusiasm for the mela. Dr Jaspal Singh Gill, Director Regional Station , Bathinda, proposed vote of thanks. On this occasion, the dignitaries and participating farmers were shown around demonstrations and exhibits organized to showcase the latest technologies developed by different departments. Subject matter specialists of PAU, provided farmers useful tips about the selection of varieties, new crop production and protection technologies, farm mechanization for rabi crops, etc.



The stalls by different KVKs, attracted farmers. There was a great rush of farmers for purchase of seeds of wheat (HD-2967, PBW-621, PBW-550, PBW-343, DBW-17), barley (DWRUB-52), oat (Kent), raya (PBR-91), mentha , peas (PB-89) and other rabi crops. Farmers also purchased farm literature, fruit plants and vegetable kits.
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