India Region

PAU VC Inaugurates Aeroponics Unit For Potato Seed Production

28 January 2025, Punjab: Amidst the large-scale gathering of farmers from Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, Doosri Kisan Milani was organised by the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) at the Gill Potato Seed Farm, village Manuke Gill in the district Moga. Organized by Sardar Sukhchain Singh Khatra, Sardar Vatan Gill, Sardar Karanveer Singh Gill, and their team of Khatra Potato Group; the milni was a great success. Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, and Sardar Manjit Singh Bilaspur, MLA of Nihal Singh Wala, inaugurated the district’s first Aeroponics Unit dedicated to the production of high-quality, virus-free potato seeds at the Gill Potato Seed Farm.

In his presidential address, Dr Gosal shared insights on PAU’s significant contributions to agriculture, emphasizing the University’s vital role in fostering agricultural excellence in the state. He encouraged the farmers to acquire high-quality, disease-free potato tubers for enhanced yields and better profitability, and urged them to adhere to PAU’s guidelines.

Sardar Bilaspur commended the organizers for establishing an aeroponics unit for potato seed production, while recognizing PAU’s support for the initiative. He also highlighted the importance of adopting modern agricultural techniques.

Dr TS Riar, Additional Director Communication, pointed out PAU’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship among young trainees through PABI initiative. He encouraged potato farmers to form an association under the umbrella of PAU, further detailing the University’s involvement in advancing agricultural research and fostering farmer welfare.

Dr Malwinder Singh Malhi expressed gratitude to Dr Gosal for dedicating his time to the event.

Dr Satpal Sharma, Principal Scientist of Vegetable Science, outlined the University’s potato research program. He encouraged the farmers to adopt the potato varieties PP 101 and PP 102 to enhance yield and profitability. Dr Sharma also informed that quality seed of these potato varieties would be available for purchase at the starting of mid-February.

Dr Gurupkar Singh Sidhu, Senior Scientist of Biotechnology, discussed the tissue culture technique for plant multiplication and urged the farmers to use disease-free planting material for optimal seed production.

A progressive potato grower Sardar Jagtar Singh Brar shared his insights on potato cultivation, particularly focusing on the importance of quality seed production.

During the event, Dr Amandeep Singh Brar, Associate Director of KVK, Moga, highlighted various extension activities conducted by KVK to support the local farming community. The occasion was also attended by Dr Kuldeep Singh, former Head of the Department of Extension Education at PAU. Additionally, scientists from CPRI, Jalandhar provided valuable information on potato seed production.

Dr Prerna Thakur, Dr Sandeep Sumar, and Dr Harkanwaljot Singh Sekhon from KVK, Moga organized a notable exhibition and sale of PAU publications aimed at benefiting the farmers. A demonstration on agriculture drone was also arranged.

The successful organization of this event was significantly contributed to by Dharminder Singh Dhillon, Gurdeep Singh, and Harinder Singh Shergill. The proceedings were expertly managed by well-known YouTuber Sardar Sukhjinder Singh Lopon.

Later, Sardar Sukhchain Singh Khatra expressed gratitude to all the dignitaries, scientists, and the farmers who attended the milni, ensuring the event’s success and memorability.

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