The monthly meeting of research and extension experts of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) was held on December 3, 2025, at the Dr Khem Singh Gill Farmers’ Service Centre. The meeting was chaired by Dr Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension Education.
Dr Bhullar commended the extension personnel for effectively disseminating machinery-based and other technological solutions to farmers for managing crop residue. He noted that the improved air quality index and the significant decline in stubble-burning incidents this year were direct outcomes of these collective efforts. He stressed that the time had come to alert farmers regarding weed management and the emerging problem of yellowing in wheat, and also urged experts to guide farmers on the judicious use of fertilizers and irrigation in rabi crops.
Emphasizing the role of technology, Dr Bhullar encouraged extension teams to adopt digital tools more efficiently to enhance the impact of outreach initiatives. He also reviewed the efforts made by PAU scientists toward pink bollworm management in cotton. He highlighted the need to motivate farmers in the cotton belt further to adopt desi cotton varieties. Referring to crop stalks, often kept aside for burning by cotton ginning mills and residents, he urged field staff to promote PAU recommendations to prevent such burning actively.
Dr Gurjit Singh Mangat, Additional Director of Research, shared updates on the University’s ongoing research activities. He stated that PAU continues to work on new crop varieties, improved production technologies, and plant protection innovations to support the farming community. He also presented the action-taken report on recommendations made during the previous meeting.
The meeting was graced by Dr Kulbhushan Grover, a PAU alumnus and currently an agricultural scientist in the USA. A special documentary film prepared by the Farm Advisory Service Centre, Abohar, was screened, showcasing their extensive extension efforts to promote the cultivation of desi cotton.
Dr G.P.S. Sodhi, Additional Director of Extension Education, reiterated PAU’s commitment to addressing emerging agricultural challenges in real time.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Tarsem Singh Dhillon, Additional Director (Communication). Scientists from various departments of PAU, along with experts from Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Farm Advisory Service Centres, and Regional Research Stations, attended the meeting.