Agri varsity revamps Kisan Mela format, cancels cultural events

As the state reels from the aftermath of the recent floods, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has announced major changes in its annual kisan mela itineraries. Regional melas at Patiala, Amritsar and Gurdaspur stand cancelled this year, with the university opting for scaled-down kisan sammelans focused on agricultural dialogue and recovery.

While the name Kisan Mela will remain unchanged due to tradition, the format will shift significantly. “There will be no songs, skits or cultural programmes this year,” said Prof TS Riar, Additional Director, Communications. “The emphasis is on resilience, not celebration.”

PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal acknowledged the gravity of the situation. “Given the widespread damage and disruption caused by the floods, we felt it was necessary to reframe the melas. The focus now is on supporting farmers with practical solutions.”

Despite cancellations, regional melas will still be held at Faridkot on September 18, Ballowal Saunkhri on September 20 and Bathinda on September 30. The main Kisan Mela at PAU, Ludhiana, will take place on September 26–27.

Farmers across the state expressed mixed emotions. “We look forward to the mela every year—it’s where we learn, connect and celebrate,” said Baldev Singh from Gurdaspur. “But this year, the mood is different. We’ve lost crops, homes. What we need now is guidance, not entertainment.”

Gurmeet Kaur, a vegetable grower from Amritsar, added, “The mela is usually a break from routine, a chance to enjoy with fellow farmers. But I respect the PAU’s decision. If they can help us recover losses and improve yields, that’s more valuable than any song.”

The sammelans will include expert sessions on flood recovery, soil health, crop planning and government schemes. PAU officials said they were committed to ensuring thar farmers left the festival with actionable insights and renewed hope.

This year’s mela will carry the spirit of solidarity and support. That’s what Punjab needs right now. As the festive season nears, farmers are preparing not for celebration, but for rebuilding—and PAU’s reimagined Kisan Mela may be just the platform they need.