Bathinda, March 24, 2026, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Kisan Mela of the Kharif season, organized by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana at its Regional Research Station, Bathinda, witnessed an impressive footfall on Tuesday, with farmers arriving in large numbers from Bathinda and surrounding districts.
Centered around the theme of “Adopting Agricultural Diversification and Saving Environmental Resources”, the dignitaries emphasized on using improved seeds, diversifying into allied activities, strengthening marketing systems, and maintaining farm records. The Farmers actively engaged with experts, attended live demonstrations, and procured quality seeds, planting materials and farm literature.
Sh. Gurmeet Singh Khuddian , Cabinet Minister, Punjab was the chief guest of the mela. Considering the diminishing soil water quality in the past few years, he suggested adopting new techniques and technologies introduced by the university to protect depleting environmental resources.
Multiple departments of the university set up stalls to showcase their work and interact with visitors. Scientists guided farmers on modern techniques and introduced recently developed crop varieties such as PR 133 (Paddy), PBD 88 Cotton) TMB 37 (Mungbean), CSR 30 and Punjab Basmati 4 & 5 (Basmati rice), and 94 (Sugarcane), SL 955 (Soybean), and AL 1992 (Arhar).
The Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal inaugurated the mela and emphasized that agriculture should be adopted as a primary occupation, supported by scientific knowledge and efficient resource management.
He encouraged farmers to adopt hybrid seed production, undertake soil testing, and diversify into supplementary occupations such as beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, and food processing.
He also highlighted the need for cooperative marketing, mechanization and adoption of bio fertilizers and innovative pest control measures like fruit fly traps. He also encouraged them to stay updated through PAU’s monthly magazine Kheti Sandesh.
Director of Extension Education, Dr. Makhan Singh Bhullar welcomed the gathering and expressed satisfaction over the enthusiastic participation, including that of women farmers.
He advised farmers to follow recommended agricultural practices and use inputs like water, fertilizers, and pesticides judiciously to reduce costs. He added that research is now being realigned to address emerging challenges such as declining water levels and increasing cultivation costs.
Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, described the Kisan Mela as a dynamic platform that blends science with practical farming, showcasing the latest crop varieties, production technologies, plant protection measures, and farm mechanisation developed by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). He noted that PAU scientists have developed over 991 crop varieties, nearly 250 of which have been recommended for cultivation at the national level.
Highlighting recent advancements, he introduced PR 133, a high-yielding paddy variety producing 31-32 quintals per acre; PBD 88, an indigenous cotton variety yielding 11 quintals per acre; and maize NK 7328 with a yield potential of 25 quintals per acre.
He also shared details of improved horticultural varieties such as hybrid melon MH 56; hybrid varieties of brinjal, Bangan-7 and Kali Tori, PH-1 and PH-2 suitable for net polyhouse cultivation, Ghia Tori-5 and 18, pea varieties, Ageta-8 and Punjab-90, and fruit varieties such as Punjab Peach-1, Punjab Peach-2 and Punjab Nectarine-2. He recommended growing Dragon fruit in this area.
The transplanting of paddy should not be done before 25th June for better yield. Rice stubbles should be spread in fields rather than burning to increase soil quality. Fruits and vegetables needed by a family should be grown at home.
Sh. Jagroop Singh Gill, MLA Bathinda shared his valuable thoughts. Farmers of Punjab can grow any crop but they face a challenge selling it in the mandi. According to him the Government should employ MBA graduates to help them in the process. He urged the farmers to domesticate animals for side hustle and better income.
Sh. Jatinder Singh Bhalla, Chairman Improvement Trust, Sh. Mohan Singh Jakhar, Member Administrative Board, Sh. Tarsem Singh Dhillon, were amongst the others present at the occasion. Dr. Tejinder Singh Riar, Additional Director Communication conducted the stage
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Karamjit Singh Sekhon, Director of Regional Research Station, Bathinda, who outlined the ongoing work of the Regional Research Station in supporting farmers and promoting improved agricultural practices in the region.
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