13 progressive farmers to be feted for modern, sustainable practices

Seven progressive farmers will be honoured at the Punjab Agricultural University’s (PAU) Kisan Mela, set to begin tomorrow, for their exemplary contributions to modern agriculture, organic farming, horticulture, and allied sectors. These awards will be presented during the inaugural ceremony of the Kharif Kisan Mela as part of PAU’s ongoing commitment to encourage scientific farming practices.

Dr Makhkan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, PAU, stated that the university wished to recognise innovative and sustainable farming efforts through such awards. “The objective of this initiative is to motivate more farmers to adopt scientific techniques and contribute towards sustainable agricultural growth,” he added. Dr Tejinder Singh Riar, Additional Director of Communications, PAU, elaborated on the awards, highlighting the remarkable achievements of selected farmers across different farming domains.

Six other progressive farmers will also be honoured with the Chief Minister’s Award during the Pashu Palan Mela at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU).

Dr Jatinder Paul Singh Gill, Vice-Chancellor, GADVASU, said the university was working on breed improvement of livestock species for more yield with a lesser headcount. He said the mela’s slogan was also based on this objective — “Nasal Sudhar hai, Pashu Palan Kitte di Jaan, Vadhere Utpaadan banaye Kisan di Shaan” (breed improvement is the backbone of livestock which increases profitability).

During the fair the visitors will also have an opportunity to taste several mouth-watering vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies, including sweetened and salted lassi, flavoured milk, ice creams, mozzarella cheese, sweets, whey drink, paneer, milk cake, dhoda barfi etc, prepared by the College of Dairy and Food Science Technology, said the VC, adding that meat patties, meat pickles, meat cutlets, meat nuggets and sausages made by the Department of Livestock Products Technology would also be available.