Ludhiana, July 31, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
Dr. Tarsem Singh Dhillon, Head of the Vegetable Science Department at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), has been appointed as the Additional Director of Extension Education.
Dr. Dhillon began his distinguished career as a District Extension Specialist (Vegetables) at the Farm Advisory Service Centre in Bathinda in December 1992.
He rose through the ranks, becoming an Associate Professor in September 2002, Senior Extension Specialist (Vegetables) in January 2009, and took on the additional charge of Director (Seeds) in September 2015. He served as the Director (Seeds) from November 2016 to 2020 and has been the Head of the Department of Vegetable Science since November 2020.
Dr. Dhillon has been instrumental in developing five varieties of carrots, including Punjab Jamuni, Punjab Rossini, PC-161, Punjab Black Beauty (suitable for making kanji), and Punjab Carrot Red, as well as a variety of bitter gourd, Punjab Bitter Gourd-1.
He also contributed to the development of the black carrot variety Punjab Black Beauty. His work has led to the documentation of ten techniques for improving vegetable production, which are published in vegetable cultivation manuals.
During his tenure as Director (Seeds), Dr. Dhillon significantly increased the seed production of vegetables and other crops, producing 85,488 quintals and 93,000 vegetable seed kits. He was pivotal in notifying 53 varieties of vegetables and other crops at the national level for introduction into the seed chain.
Dr. Dhillon also introduced innovative initiatives such as new attractive vegetable seed kits, small packaging of vegetables and oilseeds, and the use of laminated fabric seed bags for wheat packaging.
Under his leadership, PAU implemented a single-window computerized system for seed sales at Kisan Melas and launched a new seed portal to facilitate easy access to seeds for farmers.
Dr. Dhillon has published 56 research papers in nationally and internationally reputed journals, presented 22 research papers at various national and international conferences, authored 143 extension articles, contributed 12 book chapters, published 5 bulletins, authored 4 books, edited 6 books, and published 3 manuals.
He has organized 147 training sessions and workshops, delivered 503 lectures, and appeared on 83 television and 37 radio programs. He has organized 11 farm days, 217 farm exhibitions, and showcased departmental achievements at 281 farmer fairs and workshops in 856 locations.
Dr. Dhillon has also conducted adaptive research trials on vegetables and served as the principal advisor to 17 MSc and PhD students.
His doctoral students have received prestigious awards, including an INSPIRE Fellowship. Dr. Dhillon has represented PAU at international conferences, including at the University of Florida, USA, and provided cross-country training to Afghan officials on seed production.
He is a member of six scientific societies related to vegetable research. Under his leadership, PAU received the “Best All India Coordinated Research Project (Vegetable Crops) Center Award 2021” and a Certificate of Excellence for Breeder Seed Production (2017-18). He has been recognized for his contributions to agricultural literature and the best display of vegetables at various Kisan Melas.
PAU Vice Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal congratulated the scientist on his appointment and wished him success in the future.
