Crop diversification necessary to ensure sustainability: Experts at Kisan Mela in Ludhiana

Experts and officials stressed on the importance of crop diversification for long-term sustainability as the two-day Kisan Mela came to a close on Saturday at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU).

ML Jat, secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and director general, Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), was the chief guest for the day and called farmers the “lifeline for food security”.

Harcharan Singh Barsat, chairperson, Punjab Mandi Board, was the guest of honour during the event.

The guests, along with Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, visited the agro-industrial exhibition and field demonstrations, and interacted with the farmers and exhibitors. Jat lauded the state’s farmers and described the PAU as a “global model of agricultural excellence”. Calling farmers his true gurus, he emphasised their role in ensuring food security. He stressed the need for a shift towards diversification for long-term sustainability and highlighted national missions on cotton, pulses, hybrid varieties and oilseeds.

Barsat described state’s farmers as “dynamic and progressive” and urged them to adopt digital agriculture and modern technologies. He highlighted improvements in irrigation efficiency and stressed the need for a strong national crop planning and marketing policy.

Gosal said the Kisan Mela’s reach was beyond the physical event with farmers and stakeholders engaging through online platforms from across the country and beyond.

KVK Muktsar awarded

The Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in Muktsar and Mansa were awarded for popularisation of farm literature by the PAU, bagging the first and second positions, respectively.