SAS Nagar, October 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Cane Commissioner Dr Amrik Singh has been conferred the ‘National Award of Excellence in Agriculture 2026’ by the Society of Agriculture and Biological Science Research, New Delhi, in recognition of his contributions to agricultural extension, technology dissemination, sustainable farming and farmer empowerment.
The award was presented during the 15th International Conference held in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The conference focused on ‘Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry: Resilient Cropping Systems’, with discussions on emerging technologies, climate-resilient farming practices and the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agricultural education, research and development.
With more than 36 years of experience in agricultural extension and development, Dr Singh has worked to strengthen the link between research institutions and farmers, translating scientific findings and new technologies into practical advice for improving farm productivity, profitability and sustainability.
As Cane Commissioner, he has promoted scientific sugarcane cultivation, improved planting methods, appropriate crop spacing, quality seed production, efficient fertiliser management and intercropping systems. His efforts have focused on improving productivity, encouraging efficient use of resources, expanding the area under sugarcane and strengthening the long-term sustainability of the crop sector in Punjab.
Dr Singh has also used digital platforms, including WhatsApp, YouTube and Facebook, to connect agricultural experts with farmers and disseminate timely information on crop management, pest and disease control, soil health, balanced fertiliser use and sustainable farming practices. He has combined these initiatives with farmer meetings, field demonstrations, training programmes and direct interaction to improve access to agricultural advice.
His research has included the management of paddy straw in the rice-wheat cropping system, with particular attention to soil health and environmental sustainability. The work is relevant to Punjab, where scientific management of crop residue remains an important agricultural and environmental concern.
At the Dehradun conference, Dr Singh delivered a special lecture on emerging approaches to agricultural extension and AI-based technologies. He highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence, digital communication and data-driven advisory services to provide timely, targeted guidance, identify crop-related problems at an early stage and strengthen farmers’ decision-making.
He also emphasised the need to combine technological innovation with farmers’ practical experience and the expertise of agricultural scientists and extension specialists.
Dr Singh has additionally contributed to farmer training programmes, awareness campaigns, agricultural camps, field demonstrations and capacity-building activities covering soil testing, integrated nutrient management, crop residue management and efficient use of agricultural resources.
Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, Administrative Secretary Agriculture Arshdeep Singh Thind and Director Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Dr Gurjeet Singh Brar congratulated Dr Singh on receiving the national award. They described the recognition as an acknowledgement of his contribution to agriculture and a matter of pride for Punjab.
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