Bathinda, April 24, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
Students and faculty of the School of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University (MRSPTU), Bathinda, recently visited Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSK HPKV), Palampur, for an educational tour aimed at enhancing their understanding of hill agriculture, innovative techniques, and research advancements.
The team was led by faculty members Dr. Wineet Chawla, Dr. Harpreet Sekhon, Mr. Raghuvir Singh, and Ms. Simranpreet Kaur. The visit bridged theoretical learning with practical exposure to the agro-climatic diversity of Himachal Pradesh.
A highlight of the trip was the visit to Palampur’s renowned tea gardens, nestled in the Dhauladhar range. Dr. Sanjay, Incharge of the Tea Garden, guided students through various stages of tea cultivation and processing. At the tea factory, students witnessed the complete manufacturing process—from withering to drying—gaining insights into the economic and cultural importance of tea.
The students also explored the university’s Agricultural and Biodiversity Museum, featuring exhibits on traditional tools, rare seeds, and indigenous farming methods. The museum emphasized the ongoing relevance of traditional knowledge in sustainable agriculture.
The floriculture gardens showcased ornamental plants such as gerberas, gladiolus, chrysanthemums, and roses.
Dr. Des Raj, Professor, Department of Vegetable Science and Floriculture, explained propagation techniques, greenhouse and polyhouse cultivation, and marketing strategies—sparking student interest in floriculture careers.
Another enriching experience was the visit to the university’s advanced microbiology and biotechnology labs. Under Dr. Abhishek Walia, Assistant Professor of Microbiology, students engaged in hands-on sessions involving biofertilizers, pathogen identification, slide preparation, and demonstrations of DNA extraction and gel electrophoresis. These sessions introduced them to molecular tools in modern plant breeding, including marker-assisted selection.
Prof. Jasvir Singh Tiwana, Head of Department, thanked Hon’ble Registrar Dr. Gurinderpal Singh Brar for his support in facilitating the trip. He emphasized the value of such tours in enhancing students’ academic and practical knowledge, and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to organizing more experiential learning visits.
This educational visit to CSK HPKV, Palampur, significantly enriched students’ understanding of integrated and sustainable agricultural practices in diverse terrains.
