CM Mann pledges ₹118 crore for research as twin melas kick off

Ludhiana: The Kisan Mela at PAU and Pashu Palan Mela at GADVASU kicked off on Friday amid fervour and cloudy skies following a rain forecast. The Kisan Mela opened with the theme "Adoption of crop diversification for environmental protection." Chief minister Bhagwant Mann observed that teaching and agricultural methods have undergone great change. "First experiment and then recommend to the farmers," he told PAU. Stating that this university was the only varsity to secure a top worldwide rank (2024-25), the CM lauded Dr Gosal for his unwavering commitment to PAU's rise through new breakthroughs and benchmark standards. Assuring PAU of financial support for overhauling, he stressed boosting hostels and sports infrastructure, including hockey turf, to hold the Hockey Asia Cup in October across Bathinda, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Mohali this year. A total of ₹118 crore has been released to PAU for agricultural research, he disclosed, while ensuring enhanced fiscal assistance. Several efforts are being made to push agriculture by joining Japan International Cooperation Agency to fortify horticulture and residue management firms, he said.Focus On DiversificationDr Satbir Singh Gosal, vice-chancellor, PAU, called for tackling concerns of water depletion, climate change, stubble burning, and sliding farm income through crop diversification and value addition. "A drastic shift from traditional to modern, water-guzzling to water-saving, and climate-risk to climate-resilient technologies is the voice of contemporary farming," he observed. Shedding light on new recommendations, Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research, revealed the development of one variety each of paddy, cotton, and maize; eight vegetable and three fruit varieties; and one agro-forestry variety for Punjab. Meanwhile, the Pashu Palan Mela of GADVASU was inaugurated by Khuddian, who stated that dairy farming provides regular daily income. He said the government is implementing various schemes for the farming community and encouraged farmers to establish livestock-based entrepreneurial ventures for enhanced income.Global Standards In Livestock FarmingDr Jatinder Paul Singh Gill, vice-chancellor, said the mela's theme is 'Livestock Farming: Local strength to Global standards,' urging farmers to adopt scientific perspectives while honoring traditional structures. He motivated them to use modern technology, assuring that university doors are always open. Dr Ravinder Singh Grewal, Director of Extension Education, noted strong interest in goat, pig, and fish farming, with many enquiring about training. University publications and literature were made available, alongside interactive sessions featuring expert lectures and question-answer discussions. The mela featured demonstrations of high-quality germplasm, including cows, buffaloes, goats, and poultry. Experts discussed management solutions, while exhibits focused on treatment awareness. Live demonstrations included milk testing kits, mastitis diagnosis, teat dipping, and acaricide applications.Innovations In Fisheries & Allied SectorsThe College of Fisheries displayed carp and ornamental species, demonstrating azolla cultivation and integrated fish farming. Farmers showed interest in saline water fisheries. The college demonstrated an ornamental fish rocky-planted garden pool to engage youngsters. Cost-effective nutrient-rich fertilizer sticks for potted plants, prepared with duckweed and azolla, were launched; these release nutrients for over 60 days. Self-Help Groups trained by the universities displayed and sold value-added products, receiving an enthusiastic response from farmers and rural youth.