Ludhiana, Sept 2024: The second Kisan Mela of the year kicked off at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana, alongside the Pashu Palan Mela at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU). Punjab Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Gurpreet Singh Khuddian, inaugurated both events, lauding PAU for its significant contributions to agriculture.
₹500 Crore for Paddy Straw Management
Khuddian announced an allocation of ₹500 crore from the central and state governments for paddy straw management this year, an increase from last year’s ₹350 crore. He appealed to farmers to abandon stubble burning and adopt sustainable technologies for a pollution-free environment.
Punjab Agriculture Director Jaswant Singh added that 6,000 stubble management machines had already been distributed to farmers, emphasizing the benefits of in-situ paddy straw management.
Push for Water Conservation and Crop Diversification
The minister urged farmers to switch to less water-intensive paddy varieties to combat groundwater depletion. PAU Vice-Chancellor, Satbir Singh Gosal, also encouraged crop diversification, recommending alternative crops like wheat variety PBW 826 and chickpea variety PBG 10.
Recognition for Farmers and Scientists
Six progressive farmers and one farmwoman were honored for their excellence in agriculture and entrepreneurship. PAU scientists were also recognized for their contributions to agricultural research.
Focus on Livestock at Pashu Palan Mela
At GADVASU’s Pashu Palan Mela, various departments showcased their research and new technologies in livestock farming. Interactive sessions on scientific livestock rearing attracted significant interest, especially in goat, pig, and fish farming. The College of Fisheries displayed innovative integration methods, like combining fish farming with livestock, and highlighted value-added products for sale.
Sanitation Issues Raised
Despite the Mela’s success, visitors, especially women, raised concerns about inadequate sanitation facilities. While mobile toilets were provided for men, women had limited access, forcing them to use facilities in nearby buildings. PAU Vice-Chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal acknowledged the issues, citing large crowds as the reason for the shortcomings.