PAU Sets Dates for Kisan Melas Across Punjab
Punjab Agricultural University has officially announced the schedule for its upcoming series of Kisan Melas. University officials have detailed the program for various districts, providing farmers with specific dates and locations.
District-wise Mela Schedule
The melas will commence with the first event at Nagkalan-Jahangir in Amritsar on March 10. Following this, Kisan Melas will take place at Rauni in Patiala on March 12 and at Ballowal Saunkhri on March 14. The Faridkot mela is scheduled for March 17.
Ludhiana will host a two-day on-campus PAU Kisan Mela on March 20 and 21. The concluding events will occur in Bathinda on March 24 and Gurdaspur on March 27.
University Leadership Encourages Participation
Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, vice-chancellor of PAU, has urged the farming community across Punjab to actively participate in these fairs. He emphasized the importance of making each event a success through widespread attendance.
Dr. Gosal highlighted PAU's continuous evolution in agricultural research. The university is developing water-efficient, climate-resilient, early-maturing, and high-yielding crop varieties and technologies. These innovations aim to reshape the agricultural landscape, support farmer welfare, and strengthen Punjab's farming legacy.
Addressing Agricultural Challenges
The vice-chancellor noted that water depletion and climate variability present major risks to crop production. He advised farmers to visit the melas to access updated agricultural information. This knowledge can help them address these pressing challenges effectively.
New Horticultural Developments
PAU has developed several new horticultural crops that will be showcased. These include apple, dragon fruit, and strawberry among fruits. Vegetable varieties feature five-coloured carrots and three-coloured bell peppers. Flower enthusiasts can explore orchids, tulips, hyacinths, and Irish Hollandica.
Dr. Gosal stated that these diverse varieties offer opportunities for enhanced nutritional and economic security for farmers and consumers alike.
Emphasis on Women's Participation
Dr. Gosal emphasized the essential contribution of rural women to agriculture. He declared that Kisan Melas remain incomplete without their active participation. The melas will showcase advanced women-centric avenues including bee-keeping, mushroom production, kitchen gardening, and protected cultivation.
Additional areas featured will be garment enrichment, interior and exterior decoration, value-added food products, and decorative household items. These initiatives can help women strengthen their socio-economic standing within their communities.
The vice-chancellor encouraged women to attend the melas with their families. He also mentioned that traditional delicacies will be offered, adding a cultural element to the educational events.
