First 'Agrotech Kisan and Community Mela

Event Venue: SBBSU

Date: 11/April/2025

First 'Agrotech Kisan and Community Mela dedicated to Vaisakhi'

Highlights: Sant Baba Bhag Singh University organised the first 'Agrotech Kisan and Community Mela dedicated to Vaisakhi' of SBBSU held on 11th April, 2025, with the blessings and guidance of Reverend Sant Manmohan Singh Ji, Chancellor, Sant Baba Bhag Singh University, S. Hardaman Singh Minhas (Secretary), and under the leadership of Dr. Dharmjit Singh Parmar, Vice-Chancellor. The Mela commenced with Shabad Gayan, followed by lamp lighting by Reverend Sant Manmohan Singh Ji (Chief Guest), S. Mohinder Singh Dosanjh (Guest of Honour), Vice-Chancellor Dr. Dharmjit Singh Parmar, S. Gurraj Singh Nijjar (Special Guest), and esteemed members of the management. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Dharmjit Singh Parmar welcomed the guests and farmers in his address. In his inaugural address, Dr Parmar welcomed guests and farmers. He said that he considers the agricultural fairs to be very productive for the development of farmers and agricultural sciences. He emphasised the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and the farming community in fostering innovation and sustainability. Dr. Parmar said that such fairs not only familiarize farmers with new technologies and methods but also connect universities, scientific and research institutions related to agriculture with rural areas. Dr. Parmar said that this event is focused on community engagement and the association of agriculture with various aspects of different disciplines like engineering, sciences, humanities, education, law, and allied health sciences. S. Mohinder Singh Dosanjh discussed the consequences of over usage of agrochemicals, water problems, and the present and future of ongoing agricultural practices. He mentioned that climate change, poor soil quality and water scarcity remain major challenging issues for agriculture. Also, S. Dosanjh emphasized that solutions to these problems can only be found through scientific methods. Through these fairs, when farmers interact directly with agricultural scientists, they get immediate and effective solutions to their land problems. Such fairs instill new hope among farmers and provide them with the latest information. Dr. R. K. Nanwal (Agronomy expert and Soil Scientist) said that our ancestors gave us this soil, water and air, what have we done with it? Dr. Rajinder Kaur Kalra (Agriculture Extension expert) said that 30% of farmers have knowledge of agriculture. Dr. Kalra also highlighted the significance of women's education and mentioned various government schemes for the farmers. She also told how small farmers can improve their standard of living by getting the benefits of these schemes. Dr. Ombir (an entomologist) explained about the business of beekeeping. How the production of crops can be increased through honey and the pollination process through the business of beekeeping. He said that if honeybees were to disappear all over the world, many crops would also disappear. Dr. R.S. Bangarwa (Agriculture Expert) said that by cultivating poplar, more benefits can be obtained than wheat and paddy crops. Dr. Bangarwa said that eucalyptus can be cultivated in salt and salt-affected areas in order to eliminate the problem of salt. The main objective of this fair was to familiarize farmers with new agricultural techniques, increase their income and suggest new paths for the better development of the rural community. Dr. Indu Sharma, Dean of Extension & Alumni Activity and co-convenor of the event, reported that the fair had about 40 counters placed by various departments, with UIA managed 17 stalls, which exhibited new techniques, seed and soil testing, bee-keeping, vegetable and fruit production, mushroom cultivation, organic farming, proper use of fertilizers and pesticides, exhibition of agricultural projects and innovations, horticultural nursery, and post-harvest technologies. Department of Physical Education and Sports, managed five counters offering yoga, wellness, and sports activities. UIET had two stalls, AIM2FLOURISH and DroneAgriTech, while UIL and UICAIS managed the Legal Aid Clinic, and Digital Literacy and Women in Digital Skills programmes respectively. Blood Donation Camp and Free Physiotherapy Camp and health check-ups at affordable rates were done by UIS, while Department of History managed Punjabi Virsa, focusing on Punjabi culture and heritage. UIE arranged gender equity programmes, women empowerment programmes, and gender sensitisation and safety initiatives. The Department of Fashion Designing presents 'Playful Pigments' for tailoring and merchandising. UICM and UICAIS managed road safety and traffic rules and presented women safety measures and programs. Both UIH and UICAIS also had put stalls showcasing the Indian Knowledge System and Traditional Values. Free plants and seeds were also distributed to the farmers. Reverend Sant Manmohan Singh Ji and Dr. Dharmjit Singh Parmar presented a shawl/saropa, a memento and a plant to all the farmers and participants. The event featured lectures on engineering for the community, Indian knowledge system and traditional values, history and culture of Punjab and Punjabi Virsa, social responsibility of scientists, and legal services for the community were delivered by various dignitaries. The closing speech was delivered by Dr. Aneet Kumar, Dean of UIE & UIH, and a vote of thanks was given by Dr. Vikas, Registrar. The stage was conducted by Dr. Harpreet Singh and Dr. Smriti Thakur, who were led by Dr. Indu Sharma. On this occasion, Sant Baba Janak Singh Ji, S. Gurdial Singh Nijjar, S. Gurraj Singh Nijjar, S. Amarjit Singh, S. Kulwant Singh, S. Joginder Singh Ajram, S. Manpreet Singh, S. Harjinder Singh Ajram, Dr. Vikas Sharma, Registrar, Dr. Vijay Dhir, Dean Academics and Convenor of the Agrotech Kisan and Community Mela, S. Roop Singh (Controller of Examination and Deputy Registrar), Deans of various departments, Professors and colleagues were also present.