Inaugurating Kisan and Cattle Fair here today, the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT, Chandigarh, Shri V.P. Singh Badnore said that Education, Research and extension services must be stepped up to generate awareness among the farmers on the application of modern agriculture practices and the latest scientific technologies of farming.Addressing farmers, the Governor said that after Independence, India keep on importing PL 480 variety of wheat from America and the credit goes to scientist of Punjab Agriculture University who developed wheat varieties and enable India to be self sufficient in food grain. He said hard working farmers of Punjab also played significant role in this. He said scientist also got the solution to overcome the problem of whitefly.The Governor said our agriculture experts and scientists have the potential, knowledge, expertise and professional capability and we must pool all these to achieve better results in the agriculture field.
Lauding the achievements of Punjab Agriculture University, the Governor said that Agriculture today is at the threshold of a second green revolution as recent technological tools have opened up new frontiers of advancement.Honouring six agricultural scientists and eight progressive farmers on the occasion, who excelled in their respective fields, the Governor said that the initiatives of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University for promoting not only livestock, fisheries poultry, goat and pig farmers but also educating and motivating children and youth to follow these agri-related professions. He said there is a major scope for dairing and poultry in Punjab and need of the hour is to take effective steps to further promote agri-related professions as these are supplementary alternatives and employment generating ventures in rural areas.Speaking on the occasion, the Governor also visited in mela ground and showed keen interest on various stalls. He also interacted with farmers in the mela and enquired about crops sown by them.
He said that Jathedar Tota Singh told him that State and Centre Governments were extending all possible help to Punjab Agriculture University, but for Research work more assistance was needed. He asked the Minister to give him in writing and he will take up the matter with Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.Earlier, the Governor visited various stalls in the Mela ground and shown keen interest in interacting with farmers.Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Jathedar Tota Singh, Cabinet Minister for Agriculture and NRI Affairs, Mr. M.P. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary to Governor, Dr. Nirmaljit Singh Kalsi, Additional Chief Secretary (Development), Mr. Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice Chancellor, Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana and Dr. A.S. Nanda, Vice Chancellor, Guru Anged Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University.