The Regional Research Station of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ballowal Saunkhri, came alive with energy and optimism as it hosted a Kisan Mela on Saturday. Drawing farmers from across the Kandi region and beyond, the event served as a vibrant platform for sharing knowledge, showcasing innovations, and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices.

Held under the theme” Jinsan toh utpaad banaiye kheti munafa hor wadhaiye” (Let's make products from agricultural produce, let's increase agricultural income) the mela focused on empowering farmers with the latest technologies, improved crop varieties, and practical advice for enhancing profitability in farming.

A large number of farmers, farm women, students, and agri-entrepreneurs attended the event. Many engaged directly with PAU scientists and field experts to seek solutions to their agricultural problems. Live demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and stalls selling university approved seeds, planting materials, and PAU’s latest farm literature attracted significant attention. The books for Rabi and Kharif crops remained in high demand.

In his presidential address, PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal emphasized the need for sustainable farming through water-saving techniques, climate-resilient crops, and reduced use of chemical inputs. He encouraged farmers to go for agribusiness, direct marketing, and organic farming. Dr. Gosal urged farmers to make full use of PAU’s training centres and agro-processing units for monetary gain and skill development. Expressing concern for flood-affected farming families in Punjab, he said that the university would stand by the farmers in the trying times. He announced the upcoming establishment of a Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Ballowal Saunkhri in the near future. He also advocated the cultivation of crops like amla, dragon fruit, and medicinal plants, adoption of solar energy, and the use of advanced technologies such as the newly developed driverless automatic tractor.

S. Malwinder Singh Kang, Member of Parliament, Anandpur Sahib congratulated farmers for their enthusiastic participation and praised PAU for its vital role in empowering generations, producing agricultural experts, and strengthening Punjab’s economy. He urged farmers, especially in the Kandi region, to adopt the university’s recommended crop varieties and reduce household expenses.

Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research at PAU, informed the gathering that the university has developed over 950 crop varieties to support agricultural advancement. He shared key recommendations for the upcoming kharif season in the kandi region, including crop varieties and agricultural technologies. For the forthcoming rabi season, Dr. Dhatt recommended new varieties such as wheat PBW 872, which offers a yield of 24.4 quintals per acre and resistance to yellow and brown rust, barley variety PL 942, and summer moong variety SML 2575. He advised using 25% less urea for wheat variety PBW Chapatti 1 on medium soils to preventing lodging, and stressed upon the yield benefits of sowing summer moong and incorporating maize stubbles using the Super Seeder. He also recommended an optimal seed rate for ryegrass to enhance fodder quality. Additionally, Dr. Dhatt presented plant protection strategies, automated farm machinery and integrated biological pest management for controlling pod borer in chickpea. He further highlighted PAU’s integrated farming model, which now advocates keeping 10 goats to promote farm diversification and enhance income.

Progressive farmers such as Shri Mohinder Pal village Tabba, Shri Hardev Chand village Khanni, Shri Kashmir Singh village Achalpur, Shri Maninder Singh Village Jeetpur and Shri Raj Kumar village Takarla were honoured for their achievements in the agricultural field. Their success stories served as motivation for others present at the mela. The mela also featured touching poems by Ms Harjot Kaur and Jashandeep Kaur, students PAU, COA, Ballowal Saunkhri, that received appreciation by one and all.

Dr. Ashok Kumar, Member of the Board of Studies, acknowledged with pride that Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has secured the top position in the ICAR university rankings for the third consecutive time. He emphasized the importance of promoting organic farming and value addition through processing of agricultural produce to enhance farmers' income. Dr. Kumar also strongly urged farmers to completely stop stubble burning in order to preserve soil health and ensure sustainable agricultural practices.

Dr. Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, PAU, emphasized the critical role of research and extension in tackling current agricultural challenges. He said that the true value of the event lies in meaningful deliberations aimed at strengthening these efforts. Dr. Buttar encouraged extension specialists to actively disseminate information to farmers about the significant yield advantages of PAU-recommended wheat varieties over non-recommended ones, as reflected in last year’s production data. He also stressed the importance of small-scale entrepreneurship, efficient use of land, and building kitchen gardens to improve food security and income.

During the technical session the stage was conducted by Dr Jashleen Kaur and during the main session the stage was conducted by Dr Kuldeep Singh, Professor, extension education, PAU.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Manmohanjit Singh, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Director of the Regional Research Station at Ballowal Saunkhri. He lauded the collaborative efforts of the university scientists, staff, and students in making the event a success. Meritorious students namely Meenal Phagna 2021 batch, Amanjot Kaur 2022 batch, Veerkamal 2023 batch and Armaan Singh 2024 batch were also awarded at the occasion. Refreshments were made available to all visitors, with a community langar arranged by Gurudwara Shri Garhi Sahib, Shri Chamkaur Sahib, and a chai langar managed by students and staff of the Regional Research Station.

The Kisan Mela ended on a high note, leaving behind a sense of optimism and renewed determination among the farmers to adopt innovative practices and move toward a more self-reliant and profitable future.