Agriculture in Punjab under stress: Expert

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, July 23

Agriculture economist and Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, Dr SS Johal, asserted that the state’s agriculture sector was under immense duress, besides crop diversification and farmers’ suicides were major challenges. Addressing a function to mark unique project of “Agents of change” initiated by Centre for International Projects Trust (CIPT), New Delhi, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Khalsa College, here today, he emphasised on the new look at agriculture, making it profitable through mechanisation and bringing farmers out of the two-crop pattern of wheat and rice cycle.

“The programmes which aim to remove the disconnect between what is happening in farming fields and what is being taught at the academic level or discussed at policy level need to introduced,” he added. He urged students to investigate reasons on what does not allow diversification in Punjab. He indicated that Punjab was exporting its water in form of grains to other states, which was having an impact on the natural resources of the state.

Khalsa College governing council honorary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina also called for collective action to identify viable solutions for conservation of resources. He lauded involvement of a large number of girl students in agriculture.

Khalsa College Principal, Dr Mehal Singh, said, “It is important for students studying agriculture to be in touch with ground realities of the sector and engage with the farming community to develop a clear understanding.” Dr Kamal Vatta, director, CIPT, highlighted that the programme would provide a platform for students to think about new ideas. Dr Sukhdev Singh, Dr Didar Singh, Prof Randeep Kaur Bal, Prof Satnam Singh, Prof Gurdev Singh, Prof Narinderdeep Singh, Prof Gurbax Singh and Prof Rakesh Kumar were also present on the occasion. The stage was managed by Prof Randeep Bal.