Ludhiana, November 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Renowned agricultural extension expert Dr Tejinder Singh Riar has assumed charge as Director of Students’ Welfare at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana. His appointment was approved by the university’s Board of Management at a meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Dr Harvinder Singh Dhaliwal.
Dr Riar was serving as Additional Director at PAU’s Communication Centre for more than six years. Before that, he worked as Associate Director of Skill Development and was also appointed Estate Officer in August 2026. He made significant contributions to taking agricultural extension activities and agri-business skills to farmers across Punjab and other parts of North India.
His academic experience includes teaching postgraduate and undergraduate courses, besides subjects such as extension training, extension administration, communication processes and the philosophy of extension education.
Dr Riar has authored 40 research papers, 18 books, 42 bulletins and 150 extension articles. His work has focused on strengthening farmer groups and institutions and organising training programmes. Connecting farmers with useful agricultural information through television and radio has been one of his key areas of expertise.
He has conducted more than 1,700 television and radio interactions and organised over 1,200 training programmes for farmers, farm women, rural youth, extension officers and agricultural experts to promote new farming technologies.
He has also been associated with several farmer organisations and clubs, including the PAU Farmers’ Club, Beekeeping Association, Seed and Nursery Producers’ Club, Tree Growers’ Association, Flower Growers’ Club, Soybean Growers’ Club, Crop Residue Management Association and Organic Farming Club. He has also served as in-charge of the Kairon Farmers’ Home.
Dr Riar is also a national-level basketball player and a recipient of the PAU University Colours. His sporting background is expected to contribute to the university’s efforts to promote sports and support emerging student athletes.
Congratulating him on the appointment, Vice-Chancellor Dr Harvinder Singh Dhaliwal expressed confidence that under Dr Riar’s leadership, the Directorate of Students’ Welfare would create a positive environment for students and achieve further progress in sports and co-curricular activities.
Dr Riar thanked the university leadership for reposing confidence in him and assured that he would work continuously for students’ welfare. He said his priority would be to create a homely atmosphere in university hostels and across the campus while further strengthening PAU’s positive traditions.
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