Addressing the farmers, Gajnipur said the Kisan Melas provided an opportunity to the farmers where they could see and learn about new farm technologies. “These melas provide an opportunity for farmers-scientists interface”, he said.

Gajnipur said that aromatic and medicinal trees, which were found in abundance in Dhar block of Gurdaspur, had great medicinal value. He urged the university scientists to conduct a thorough survey and research so that these valuable natural resources could be utilised to improve the lot of the people.

Addressing the farmers, PAU Vice-Chancellor, Dr Manjit Singh Kang said that since its inception in 1910, the Regional Research Station, Gurdaspur had contributed much in resolving farming-related problems of farmers in Gurdaspur as well as adjoining areas. While claiming that PAU had contributed immensely towards the nation’s food security, he said so far the university had developed about 554 different varieties of crops, fruits and vegetables. Out of these, 95 varieties have been released at the national level also.

Dr Kang commented that in a bid to produce more for the nation, Punjab farmers have over-exploited its soil and water resources, with the result that soil fertility has deteriorated in the state. “Excessive use of pesticides and insecticides have polluted our environment. If we fail to check the deteriorating environment, our children will face serious consequences”, he warned.

PAU Director of Extension Education, Dr N.S. Malhi said that soil of Gurdaspur region was best suited for basmati cultivation. It could yield more profits for farmers and at the same time needed less water than paddy, he said. Exhorting the farmers to grow more of basmati crop, Dr Malhi said that the university had developed technologies for growing basmati and other crops, which should be followed in toto to get higher yields. He advised them to be in touch with latest farm technologies propagated by PAU through farm magazines — Changi Kheti and Progressive Farming.

PAU Director of Research, Dr P.S. Minhas said that focus of the university research was now on developing cost- effective technologies that could help in increasing the income of farmers. Efforts were being made to encourage children from rural areas to study agriculture, he said.