The Kisan Mela at the Regional Research Station (RSS), Bathinda drew an overwhelming response from farmers, who thronged the event for its live field demonstrations, interactive exhibitions and seed sales. The massive participation reaffirmed the enduring bond between the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana and the farming community, as well as PAU’s pivotal role in advancing farmer welfare, promoting agricultural innovation, and strengthening sustainable farming practices.

The Guests of Honour, S. Mohan Singh Jakhar, Member, Board of Management, PAU and a progressive farmer; and Dr. S.K. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University (PTU), Bathinda, lauded PAU’s contribution in strengthening Punjab’s agrarian sector. S. Padamjeet Singh Mehta, Mayor of Bathinda also marked his presence as a guest of honour at the event.

Delivering his keynote address, Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice Chancellor, PAU, expressed deep concern over the widespread damage caused by floods in Punjab due to relentless rains. He further cautioned about the damaging effects of silt deposition on the productivity of subsequent crops. Reflecting on 63 years of PAU’s establishment, Dr. Gosal said the university stands tall as the “mother institution” of seven universities in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, besides being the birthplace of India’s Green Revolution, serving the farmers of Punjab with continued dedication. While mentioning about the footfall at PAU kisan Mela held at Ludhiana, Dr Gosal mentioned that more than two Lac farmers from Punjab and neighbouring states attended the Mela.

In his address, he underlined the need for income diversification through the adoption of vegetable, pulse, and oilseed kits; biofertilizers; agri-business models; and modern machinery like the GNSS-based Auto Steering System, Sensor-Based Irrigation, and Surface Seeder for straw management. Highlighting the role of youth in agriculture, he expressed pride in the fact that ten students from RSS Bathinda are currently pursuing their Ph.D. programmes at various universities in the United States of America. He encouraged farmers to send their children to PAU, so that agricultural knowledge is disseminated at the grassroots level, empowering young farmers with the skills and expertise to explore opportunities across the world. He also urged farmers to connect with PAU through social media platforms and take advantage of the latest innovations to enhance their farm income.

Sharing the latest research updates, Dr. A.S. Dhatt, Director of Research, PAU, highlighted that the university has so far released more than 900 crop varieties, a milestone that continues to strengthen its contribution to agricultural advancement. Carrying this legacy forward, he introduced the newly recommended crop varieties- PBW 872 wheat (top-ranked nationally), PL 942 oats, SML 2575 summer moong, and Punjab Potato 103 and 104. He emphasized that water conservation remains a key challenge, and farmers’ growing shift toward less water-intensive crops is already showing promising results. He also spoke about PAU’s recent innovations in production and protection technologies for wheat, paddy, maize, pulses, and oilseeds (gobhi, toria, raya, etc.), new farm machinery (GNSS-based Auto-Steering System, PAU Manual Operator Seeder), and the integration of goat farming in the Integrated Farming System (IFS) model.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. M.S. Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, attributed PAU’s consistent top ranking in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2023, 2024, and 2025 to the synergistic relationship between the university and farmers. He encouraged farmers to attend training programmes at Krishi Vigyan Kendras and the Skill Development Centre of PAU, and to actively engage with the agro-industrial exhibition stalls and departmental exhibits at the mela to explore new crop varieties and agri-technologies. He emphasised the fact that Kisan Melas act as an umbrella under which the intellectual exchange of agricultural information is facilitated. He highlighted PAU’s efforts to disseminate critical agricultural information through various media channels and encouraged farmers to take full advantage of PAU’s expertise by connecting through social media and digital platforms.

The event also featured a soulful rendition by students of RSS Bathinda, highlighting the close cultural ties between Punjab’s rural life and agriculture. The Mela also witnessed the felicitation of research scientist Dr Gurjinder Singh Romana, Principal Farm Economist, Bathinda for his exemplary service to the University.

The Kisan Mela was made successful by the live demonstrations, display of planting materials, ready-availability of seeds and easy accessibility of farm literature and a fruitful discourse of farmers with the scientists of PAU. While discussing the latest technologies and newly developed varieties, PAU scientists held a productive technical session with the farmers, addressing every query and providing satisfying solutions to their problems.

Besides addressing the needs of farmers, the programme also witnessed the inauguration of the Institute of Agriculture by the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal. He was joined by Dr. C. S. Aulakh, Dean, College of Agriculture, PAU; Dr. Karamjit Singh Sekhon, Director, RSS Bathinda and Dr. Avtar Singh, Associate Dean (Academics), Bathinda who collectively marked the occasion with their esteemed presence.

The proceedings concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr. Karamjit Singh Sekhon, Director, RSS Bathinda, who acknowledged the collective efforts of PAU scientists, farmers, and stakeholders in making the Kisan Mela a resounding success. Dr Gurjinder Singh Romana, Principal Farm Economist, Bathinda, coordinated the programme.