Ludhiana, April 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A group of ten IAS Officer Trainees of the 2024 batch (six female and four male), currently undergoing field training across various districts of Punjab, visited the Communication Centre of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, to gain insights into the university’s pivotal role in disseminating timely scientific information to farmers.
The visit was part of their Punjab Darshan tour, an integral component of their training programme aimed at acquainting officer trainees with the cultural, religious and historical heritage of the state, along with its key industrial and developmental initiatives.
Dr Tejinder Singh Riar, Additional Director of Communication, PAU, briefed the trainees about the mandate and outreach of the Communication Centre.
He emphasized that agriculture continues to form the backbone of India’s economy, and institutions like PAU have played a transformative role in strengthening the research–extension–farmer linkage.
“It is essential for future administrators to understand the dynamics of agriculture, as informed decision-making in governance is closely linked to ground realities of the farming sector,” he said.
Highlighting the relevance of agricultural knowledge for civil servants, Dr Riar noted that IAS officers equipped with an understanding of agricultural systems are better positioned to design and implement policies related to rural development, food security, sustainability, and farmer welfare.
Such exposure, he added, enables administrators to appreciate challenges such as climate variability, resource management, and technology adoption, thereby ensuring more effective governance at the grassroots level.
The officer trainees were apprised of the wide range of communication strategies adopted by PAU, including print publications, digital platforms, audio-visual content, and farmer advisory services, which collectively ensure the timely dissemination of research-based recommendations to the farming community.
Ms Gulneet Chahal, Assistant Director (Publications), provided a comprehensive overview of the Communication Centre’s activities, highlighting its role in translating scientific research into farmer-friendly formats through magazines, bulletins, and multimedia initiatives. She also elaborated on the Centre’s efforts in enhancing outreach through digital platforms and innovative communication tools.
The trainees also visited the Skill Development Centre, where Dr Rupinder Toor, Associate Director, briefed them about various training programmes conducted for farmers and farm women aimed at enhancing income and encouraging a shift from conventional farming to agri-based entrepreneurship. She highlighted how skill-building initiatives empower rural stakeholders to add value to farm produce and adopt sustainable livelihood practices.
Mr Karan Gill apprised the trainees of the Punjab Government’s Udyam and Udaan programmes, along with the role of PAU’s PABI (Punjab Agri Business Incubator) in nurturing and scaling start-ups into profitable enterprises. He shared success stories of farmers and farm women who have successfully established agri-based ventures, thereby contributing to rural economic development.
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