Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) will be honoring the remarkable contributions of five progressive farmers and one female farmer during its Kisan Mela on September 13, 2024. These individuals will be celebrated for their outstanding achievements in agriculture and horticulture. They serve as role models for fellow farmers, women, and youth.
Karnail Singh: Champion of Organic Vegetable Farming
Karnail Singh, a small farmer from Bassi Gulam Hussain village in Hoshiarpur district, will be awarded the prestigious “Sardar Surjit Singh Dhillon Award.” Singh’s dedication to organic vegetable farming has set him apart, as he contributed remarkably towards residue-free production through the use of vermicompost to maintain soil health and mulching for weed control. He markets his produce directly to consumers through initiatives like Atma Kisan Hut and Safe Food Mandi. Singh’s connection with the PAU Kisan Club and the Organic Farmers’ Club, along with regular guidance from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Hoshiarpur, has enhanced his success.
Gurpreet Singh: Innovator in Crop Diversification
Gurpreet Singh, another small farmer from Tharajwala village in Sri Muktsar Sahib district, will also receive the “Sardar Surjit Singh Dhillon Award.” Singh has excelled in crop diversification and healthy nursery production, using PAU’s expertise. His commitment to water conservation is evident through his use of sprinkler irrigation and underground water pipes. Additionally, he improves soil health with green manure and frequently consults KVK experts in Sri Muktsar Sahib and Bathinda, as well as the Farm Advisory Service Centre in Bathinda, to stay updated on best practices.
Bal Krishan: 30 Years of Excellence in Sustainable Farming
Bal Krishan, a 50-year-old farmer from Bhulan village in Sangrur district, will be honored with the “Sardar Dalip Singh Dhaliwal Memorial Award” for his 30-year contribution to agriculture. Krishan farms 22 acres of ancestral land and leases another 30 acres, where he has not burned straw since 2013. In addition to growing wheat without straw burning, he cultivates basmati, green fodder, bajra, and jowar, and supplements his income through mushroom cultivation, beekeeping, poultry farming, agro-processing, and value-added products like desi ghee and mustard oil.
Mohandeep Singh: Devotion to Large-Scale Vegetable Production
Mohandeep Singh from Hayatpura village in Ludhiana will be recognized with the “Sardar Ujjagar Singh Dhaliwal Memorial Award” for his dedication to vegetable production over 12 years. Singh manages 25-35 acres of land, where he grows a diverse range of vegetables, including five varieties of carrots, radishes, French beans, chilies, pumpkins, and cauliflower. His expertise in seed production allows him to supply quality seeds to farmers across 200 areas, following recommendations from PAU, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh institutions.
Kulwindert Kaur: Entrepreneurial Farm Woman of Patiala
Kulwindert Kaur, a progressive farm woman from Kath Mathi village in Patiala district, will receive the “Sardarni Jagbir Kaur Grewal Memorial Award” for her entrepreneurial skills. Owning 11 acres of ancestral land, Kaur has been trained in milk production, phulkari embroidery, and tie-dye techniques by KVK Patiala. She supplements her family’s income through dairy farming and garment production. Additionally, she practices sustainable farming by cultivating less water-intensive rice varieties and moong, utilizing organic manure, and leveling her fields with a Laser Land Leveller.
Devinder Singh: Groundnut Cultivation Pioneer
Devinder Singh from Ram Tatwali village in Hoshiarpur district will be awarded the “Parwasi Bharti Award” for his 35-year journey in scientific farming. With 26 acres of land under his care, Singh has mechanized groundnut farming using advanced technologies like the Inclined Plate Planter and Thresher. His success in diversified farming, which includes wheat, paddy, safeda, and dairy farming, is attributed to the support of PAU, CIPHET, and other institutions. Singh has also been recognized by the Indian government for his agricultural innovations.
These farmers and farm woman exemplify the spirit of agricultural innovation and sustainability, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. PAU’s recognition of their efforts underscores the importance of continued support and collaboration in driving agricultural excellence.
