Ludhiana, August 27, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) celebrated the scientific writings of the agricultural scientists by holding a book release ceremony for three books in the VC committee room today.
A set of books, authored by different scientists of PAU, was released by the Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, acknowledging the strong pen and intensive agri-research of the experts for bringing together the facts and coming up with the public-centric publications.
As a part of the Punjab government assigned project “Setting Up of Model Genome Club,” Dr Surinder Sandhu, Principal Investigator (PIs) of the project; Dr Jaswinder Brar and Dr Harmeet Sarlach, Co-PIs, have authored a book “Traditional Trees of Punjab” with an aim to revive traditional trees, document information on ready-to-use trees, and spread awareness about these trees among youths and general public.
While releasing this book, Dr Gosal praised the efforts of the scientists, calling it a great step towards the conservation of Punjab’s rich arboreal heritage.
The book presented a deep insight into botanical descriptions, tree classifications, suitability to soil and climatic conditions, and utility aspects of 46 trees which could be grown under Punjab state agro-climatic conditions, he observed. Further, Dr Gosal described the comprehensive exploration of the medicinal and nutraceutical properties of trees as an invaluable asset for the readers.
The second booklet entitled, “Ber: A Traditional Fruit Tree of Punjab” has been penned by Dr Jaswinder Brar, Dr Surinder Sandhu and Dr Harmeet Sarlach. Dr Brar has been looking after the historical ber trees of Ber Baba Budha Sahib Ji, Dukh Bhanjani Ber and Lachi Ber at Shri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar; and Ber Tree at Gurdwara Ber Sahib, Sultanpur Lodhi, Punjab.
During the release, Dr Gosal lauded the booklet that comprised the importance of Ber tree, and its revival measures with beautiful pictures of Ber trees in historical gurdwaras.
Third was a 28-page booklet entitled, “Punjab Floods 2023: Causes, Impacts and Learnings” written by Dr Prabhjyot Kaur, Principal Scientist (Agro-meteorology); Dr Sandeep Singh Sandhu, Principal Agronomist; and Dr Simerjeet Kaur, Principal Agronomist. It depicted the vulnerability of agriculture to the extremes of climate such as excess and deficit rainfall, strong winds, hailstorm, etc.
Stating that it was the first-of-its-kind document, Dr Gosal hailed the introduction of the rich tradition of ‘Langar’ in Punjab in terms of nursery langar of short duration rice varieties (PR 126 and Pusa Basmati 1509) for the flood-hit farmers during 2023.
“The PAU became the pivotal agency to startup the concept of ‘Community Nursery’ wherein rice nursery was raised at Krishi Vigyan Kendras and research farms for the free distribution and also motivated the farmers to help in this noble cause,” he said.
Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research, hailed the scientists for documenting the success achieved with collective efforts, be it care of trees at religious places or supply of nursery to the flood-affected farmers in 2023.
All the three books have been written in accessible language, and would prove to be of immense benefit to the students, environmentalists, arborists, extension workers, educators and enthusiasts alike, he added.
Coordinating the programme, Dr Vishal Bector, Associate Director, Institutional Linkages, welcomed the dignitaries, book authors, senior officials, heads of various departments and the faculty of PAU. Later, he proposed a vote of thanks.
Present on the occasion were Mr Rishi Pal Singh, Registrar; Dr MIS Gill, Dean, Postgraduate Studies; Dr CS Aulakh, Dean, College of Agriculture; Dr Manjeet Singh, Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology; and other senior officials of PAU.
