Here is an essay on ‘Punjab Agricultural University: A Light House of Scientific Knowledge of Farming’ especially written for school and college students.
Essay on Punjab Agricultural University
Agricultural research and education programme in Punjab started in 1906 with the establishment of Punjab Agricultural College and Research Institute, Lyallpur, (presently Faisalabad, now in Pakistan). With the partition of the country in 1947, this institute remained with Pakistan.
To meet the food requirement of the country, a great need was felt to establish a new agricultural research institute. In Punjab, agricultural research was initiated by College of Agriculture, Ludhiana in 1957. Later in 1962, this College was upgraded to Punjab Agricultural University which is known as the mother institute for bringing ‘green revolution’ in the country.
At the time of its establishment, the University had two campuses, one at Ludhiana and another at Hisar (now in Haryana). Later in 1966, a third campus was established at Palampur to cater to the needs of hilly areas. After bifurcation of the state into Punjab and Haryana in 1966, the two separate Universities – Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana and Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar came into being as per Act of Parliament.
In July 1970, Palampur campus was made part of Himachal Pradesh University that later became Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Palampur. At the time of its establishment, Punjab Agricultural University had five Colleges – College of Agriculture, College of Agricultural Engineering, College of Basic Sciences & Humanities, College of Veterinary Science, and College of Home Science.
In 2005, the College of Veterinary Science was upgraded to Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU). To make the country self-sufficient in food was the dream of our first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru. The slogan of ‘Grow More Food’ was popularized.
First agricultural university in the country was established in 1960 at Pant Nagar. In 1961 the second agricultural university was set up at Bhubaneswar, and Odisha. Punjab Agricultural University was the third agricultural university in the country which was established at Ludhiana, Punjab in 1962. Dr. P. N. Thapar was chosen as its first Vice- Chancellor.
Several eminent scientists were appointed in the University and they were imparted training at world renowned research institutes/organizations. Exposure at international level gave a new perspective to our scientists for agricultural research which later helped to spark a green revolution in the country.
PAU was established with the aim to address the challenges facing agriculture and make the country self-sufficient in food. PAU contributed a lot for making the country self- sufficient in food and it also helped Punjab to become a developed state.
For any organization engaged in agricultural research, the major aim is to develop high yielding varieties. For this, PAU established close ties with International Wheat and Maize Development Centre (CIMMYT), Mexico and International Rice Research Institute, Manila, Philippines.
At present, PAU has linkages with several other international organizations/institutes. Wheat varieties Kalyan Sona and WL 711; rice variety PR 106 and maize variety Vijay have made significant contribution in bringing Green revolution. The father of dwarf wheat varieties and Nobel Laureate, Dr. Norman E. Borlaug had a close association with PAU.
He developed dwarf wheat varieties while working in Mexico. And when these varieties were tested in different countries, our scientists gave the best results. Dr. Borlaug was so impressed that he developed a special liking for PAU and this association lasted till his death.
Dr. Gurdev Singh Khush, the eminent rice breeder who developed dwarf rice varieties was a PAU alumnus. The varieties evolved by him have been mainly responsible for increased area under rice cultivation in Punjab. Main reason for increased area under paddy was more income due to higher yields. In a way the credit for increased income of Punjab farmers due to rice cultivation, goes to Dr. Khush.
Shortage of food grains was a problem before green revolution era whereas post green revolution saw problems of storage and handling. As a result, a great need was felt to evolve efficient marketing and distribution system. Market and transportation facilities were developed; villages were connected with metal roads. Assured water and power supply greatly facilitated raising of two crops in a year.
Farmers’ linkages with the University increased and for the first time in 1967, PAU organized a Kisan Mela which later on became a regular feature. Farmers show great enthusiasm in the Kisan Mela and their participation in these Melas are ever increasing. The Kisan Melas have become so popular among farmers that they found a place in folk songs.
Jind mahe je chalion Ludhiane
Uthon wadia beej Liyane
(O my dear! if you are going to Ludhiana, then bring quality seeds from there)
Rural landscape started changing. Solid brick houses started appearing in villages replacing old mud houses. With the introduction of radio and television, the farm knowledge started reaching the remotest villages. Farmers started showing great interest for latest farm technologies developed by University. The achievements of the University scientists became a topic of discussion and PAU became a household name among farmers.
PAU scientists have developed many varieties of different crops including field crops, flowers, fruits and vegetables. Till the year 2013, the University had developed a total 730 varieties out of which 130 varieties have been recommended at national level.
Record production of wheat and rice has not only boosted farmers’ income but has also contributed towards the betterment of state’s economy. In the year 1960-61, per hectare production of wheat and paddy was 12 and 15 quintals respectively, which has now increased to 51 and 60 quintals, respectively.
PAU has been pioneer in several spheres of research, extension and education. World’s first hybrid of pearl millet (H.B.-1) was developed by PAU. Also India’s first single cross maize hybrid (Paras) and first hybrid of gobhi sarson (P.G.S.H 51) were developed by PAU. Besides, the ever popular muskmelon variety Hara Madhu was also developed by PAU. The University scientists have also developed the technique of producing hybrid cows.
Farm conservation techniques like zero tillage; leaf colour chart, tensiometer, happy seeder, laser land leveler etc. have been evolved by the University. PAU has been leading institute for evolving Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in cotton, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) in maize and Integrated Disease Management in potato. University has also pioneered for protected cultivation of capsicum and brinjal crops.
Punjab Agricultural University is the first University in the country to introduce Italian honey bees in the country which has revolutionized honey production. Punjab today is the leading state for honey production and is producing 37 per cent of the country’s honey.
Research on additional bi-products from honey has helped in increasing the income of fanners who have taken up bee keeping as a subsidiary occupation. In addition to the increased honey production, bee keeping has greatly contributed towards raising the production of other crops as a result of increased cross pollination by bees.
Growth of fruit trees which were earlier seen in south western districts of the state has now spread throughout the state. Kinnow cultivation in Punjab began with the introduction of Kinnow from California, USA in 1955-56. Today, it is the number one fruit crop in Punjab.
PAU has also developed mushroom varieties which can grow all the year round. Commercial cultivation of mushroom has become popular because of PAU’s efforts. At present Punjab is the leading state in mushroom production contributing 40 per cent of the total production in India.
The University has evolved several technologies for the conservation of natural resources. About six lakh hectare of kallar land has been reclaimed. Land leveling by land laser leveller has greatly contributed towards saving irrigation water. Apart from laser leveling, drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation techniques, bed planting also help in conserving water.
The research to develop varieties requiring less water is going on. Technologies for optimum use of fertilizer have also been evolved. Leaf colour chart in rice, maize and wheat greatly helped in cutting down nitrogen fertilizer up to 25 per cent. University has always recommended the integrated use of manures and fertilizers. Use of insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, etc. in Punjab is more as compared to other states.
University has always stressed on the need-based use of these chemicals in order to save human beings as well as environment from chemical pollution. To save the crop from insect pests, IPM techniques in paddy, cotton and vegetable crops have been developed and implemented in the farms. The use of chemicals is reduced upto 30-40 per cent. This has greatly helped in conserving the environment.
University has also developed several techniques for precision farming. With net house cultivation of vegetables, better quality crop can be raised in offseason. This technique ensures less pesticide use and more profit for farmers.
Punjab state has been leading in the development and popularization of farm machinery in the country. Due to this, Punjab is known as center for farm mechanization. Direct sowing of wheat in paddy stubbles with happy seeder reduces cost of sowing by 20 per cent. The use of this machine on wider scale will check the problem of paddy straw burning and consequently the environmental pollution. It will also improve the physical properties of the soil.
A modern ‘School of Biotechnology’ has been established in the University to give a boost to research for developing new varieties. With biotechnological tools, better disease resistant varieties of wheat and paddy will be developed. University has already developed a good basmati variety Punjab Basmati-3 through this technique.
Electron Microscopy and Nanotechnology Laboratory at PAU is a high end laboratory of its kind in North India. School of Climate Change and Agro- meteorology regularly forecast weather for the benefit of farmers. Agricultural Marketing Cell of the University updates the farmers on market trends in different crops.
PAU is internationally acclaimed university for its quality education. Students from different countries come to PAU for study. PAU is making great contributions in research, education and extension fields. It is a matter of pride for the University that several PAU alumni have occupied key positions in the country and abroad. Dr. N. S. Randhawa an alumnus of PAU became the Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), a highest agricultural institution of the country.
University is known world-wide for its research and extension linkages. University has strong linkages with farmers as well as various Govt. departments associated with rural development programmes. PAU was the first to set up a Farmer Service Centre. Later on, this concept has been adopted by ICAR. Directorate of Extension Education has direct linkages with farmers through Krishi Vigyan Kendra and Farm Advisory Service Scheme with different districts.
Apart from the farm literature published by Centre for Communication and International Linkages, University has direct contact with farmers through training, exhibitions, field demonstrations, field’s trials, Kisan Melas and Plant Clinic. They serve as a bridge between farmers and University experts through telephone and internet.
Every year, before the start of rabi and kharif season, PAU organizes Kisan Melas at Ludhiana and other districts. In these melas, subject matter experts interact with farmers to satisfy their queries. Different departments of the University put up exhibitions.
Farm literature, seeds of new varieties, fruit plants and vegetable kits for kitchen gardening are put on sale at different stalls. In the agro-industrial exhibition, different firms showcase their machinery/equipment. Every year, about three lakh farmers and farm women attend these melas.
In addition to the great strides made in the field of education and research the University has made significant contributions in the fields of sports, literature and culture. The University can take pride in the fact that it has produced three captains for Indian Hockey team for Olympics. PAU was adjudged as the best agricultural university in 1995 for its role in providing food security for the country.
PAU has completed more than 50 years of its existence. By bringing green revolution, it has played a key role in making India self-sufficient in food. There are big challenges for the future. Sustainable production, crop diversification, natural resource management and changing climatic conditions are some of the areas which need attention. There is a need to gear up research in these areas and also to develop adequate human resource to face these challenges.
Keeping in view the need for the coming two decades, research, extension and education programmes have been reoriented in the University. University is proactive for playing a leading role in agriculture.