Ludhiana, August 7
Punjab Agricultural University has declared the dates for Kisan Melas to be held in September, to disseminate information and scientific know-how about rabi crops.

According to a communique from Dr N.S. Malhi, director extension eduction, PAU, the series of Kisan Melas will begin from Kandi Research Centre, Ballowal Saunkhri in district Nawanshahar. This mela will be held on September 6 while it will take place in the Regional Research Centre, Gurdaspur, on September 11.

Dr Malhi informed that the two-day Kisan Mela at Ludhiana would be organised on September 13-14, in which eminent agricultural scientists from American universities are expected to participate. Dr Kang, vice-chancellor of PAU, is also making efforts to seek the participation of world renowned rice scientist Dr G.S. Khush.

Explaining the programme schedule further, Dr Malhi said the mela would be held at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Rauni, Patiala, and Regional Research Centre, Bathinda, on September 20 and 25, respectively.

In addition to rolling out new varieties of seeds for sale, the university will also put up a stall for selling farm literature during all the melas. The farmers will be able to pay subscription for monthly journals, Changi Kheti (Punjabi) and Progressive Farming (English) at these stalls, he added. The updated edition of ‘Package of Practices for Rabi Crops’ will also be available for sale.

Ludhiana, August 7
Plant clinic of Punjab Agricultural University is recently witnessing many samples of botanical leaf blight in paddy brought by farmers.

Dr. N.S. Malhi said once this disease started in paddy, there was no way to cure it in the crop. Therefore, the farmers should refrain from using chemicals being sold for vested interests by unscrupulous agents.

However, Dr Malhi suggested some ways to mitigate the losses. He warned against water pond in the field and application of excessive dose of nitrogen. He said treating the seed before sowing to kill primary inoculum and growing resistant varieties like PR 111, PR 113, PR 115 and PR 201 could help curb the problem.

Ludhiana, August 7
To eradicate the social evils of foeticide and drug addiction, R.S. Model Senior Secondary School organised a programme on ‘A vision of enlightened society’ here on Sunday.

On the occasion, inter-school declamation, painting and poem recitation contests were held in which 20 schools of the city participated. Varinder Sharma (DEO, elementary) was the chief guest.The function was presided over by Satya Nand Munjal, president, School Management Committee. Principal M.R. Mehta of BCM School, as well as the chief guest suggested measures to put an end to these evils. Results were as follows: Painting contest - Jashanjit of BCM Arya Model School, Shastri Nagar, stood first while Amrita of the host school stood second.

Ludhiana, August 7
The office-bearers of the students body of Panjab University Regional Centre was elected here today. The new-comers were given a warm welcome by the outgoing team. Manmeet Singh Nagra was elected department representative while Inderpal Singh was made his deputy. Other members include Gagneet Singh, Pawandeep Singh, Charanpreet Singh, Sunny Sharma and Rahul Gupta.

BOOK EXHIBITION: An exhibition of books was organised at Guru Nanag Girls College here yesterday in collaboration with USG Publishers and Distributors. It was inaugurated by principal Dr Charanjit Mahal. Speaking on the occasion, she stressed on the importance of books in building up a balanced personality and restoration of higher moral values of life among the present generation. A wide variety of books appealing to all age groups were displayed in the exhibition. Meanwhile, to inculcate good eating habits amongst youngsters, a lecture on “Adolescent Nutrition” was also organised by the NSS unit of the college here today. Principal Dr Charanjit Kaur Mahal welcomed the resource person Dr Balwinder Kaur, Chief Dietician, Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, and advised the young generation to avoid the consumption of junk food.

Ludhiana, August 7
A CBSE communicative workshop was organised in B.C.M Arya Model Senior Secondary School, Shastri Nagar, Ludhiana, today under the aegis of Oxford University Press, India.

The workshop aimed at providing authentic guidelines to teachers about the revised curriculum of Class XII and the marking scheme. Nearly 120 English language teachers from various CBSE schools participated in the programme.