Hubli, ‘Punjabi peasants an enthusiastic lot’

LUDHIANA: Contemporary agriculture is facing serious ecological and economic problems that have led to diminished farm profitability. This was stated by PAU vice chancellor Manjit Singh Kang during the inauguration of the kisan mela on Thursday. He said depletion ofwater table, especially in the central Punjab, problems related to soil health,pollution of air and water and irrational use of natural resources were seriousagricultural concerns of today. Asking participating farmers to visit technicalstalls of different departments, demonstration fields and sale outlets of farmliterature, Kang said these would help them. Three farmers —Major Manmohan Singh Verka, of Verka village, Amritsar, Prabhpal Singh Dhillonof Kasel village in Tarn Taran and Gurcharan Singh Mann of Tungwali village inBathinda — were honoured with citation and shawls in recognition of theirexcellent performance.Director of research at the varsity P S Minhassaid Punjabi farmers were an enthusiastic lot and elaborated that despitedrought, they recorded a remarkable production. Director of extension educationM S Gill said kisan melas were organized keeping in view the needs of farmers.The chief guest and other dignitaries, including members of PAU board ofmanagement J S Kolar, B S Boparai, Urwinder Kaur Grewal and J B S Sangha visitedthe stalls put up in the agro-industrial exhibition.