Ludhiana, July 10
The wheat-paddy monoculture has pushed traditional pulses and oilseed crops out of the main cropping pattern, causing immense deterioration of soil health.

This was stated by Dr M.S.Kang, vice-chancellor, PAU, during his presidential address on ‘groundnut field day’ held at Peron village in Mansa district. The field day was organised by the Directorate of Extension Education, PAU, in collaboration with the Regional Centre, Bathinda. The Rattan Tata Trust sponsored the event.

According to Dr Kang, the Malwa region had been leading in groundnut production till 1960-61 and Mansa surpassed other areas in its production. However, the shift to the wheat-paddy rotational pattern in later years proved detrimental to natural resources despite providing food security to the nation.

Terming the cultivation of groundnut in 40 acres of Peron village by the Ratan Tata Trust as a positive step, Dr Kang said this would pave the way for cultivation of other oilseed crops too. He revealed that all logistics and modalities had been worked out for establishing a krishi vigyan kendra in Mansa by PAU and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. This would face-lift the economy of the region.

Dr N.S. Malhi, director of extension education, also spoke on the occasion.

He exhorted farmers to take a pledge for the judicious use of natural resources. Survival would become impossible in the event of constant deterioration of soil, water and air, he added. He advocated reading of farm literature produced by PAU for precision farming.

Dr D.S. Brar, director of the Regional Centre, Bathinda, said scientists of the centre were not only working for farmers of Bathinda but also for agriculturists of Mansa.

Dr Sat Pal Mehra, additional director, extension education, while giving an outline of the project, said the area under groundnut would be further increased next year.

Ludhiana, July 10
PAU vice-chancellor M.S. Kang has asked students, who got admission to the first year in various classes, to ensure that they set the right targets.

Interacting with the students on the first day, the VC told them that admission to various courses, which they got after a tough competition, was just a beginning and they had to go a long way. He told them it was a matter of prestige to be a part of this university which would prepare the students for future challenges in life.

Exhorting the students to carry forward the goals, values and traditions of PAU, Kang said the new generation came to the institution with dreams and university teachers steered them towards the realisation of there dreams. He advised the students to adopt healthy food habits that had proven nutritive value.

N.S. Malhi, director, extension education, who accompanied the vice-chancellor, urged the students to espouse a rational thought for a progressive society. He stressed upon the need for over all development of the students, be it through classroom teaching, sports, cultural activities, scientific discussions or debates conducted by various units of the university.

Ludhiana, July 10
Thirty students of GPC Alour, Khanna, attended a seven-day leadership camp at Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan. The camp was organised by the Department of Youth Welfare, Panjab University, Chandigarh.

Aman Kumar of B.Com-III has been selected best athlete, while Karamjeet Singh of BA-I won best performance in cultural activities. The students attended the camp under the guidance of Amit Narula and Davinder Kaur. Different activities were organised to inculcate the sense of discipline, physical fitness, cooperation and peaceful coexistence among students.