Fazilka-Abohar- Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Fazilka, organized a one-day Kisan Mela at CIPHET, Abohar, under the Crop Residue Management Project. During the event, experts encouraged farmers to refrain from burning crop residues and advised them to adopt crop diversification and food processing to enhance their income.
The event was graced by Dr. R.C. Maheshwari, former Vice-Chancellor of Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Gujarat, as the Chief Guest. He emphasized the significance of research institutions like KVK and CIPHET in supporting farmers’ progress and providing them with valuable knowledge.
Dr. K. Narsahia, Additional Director General of ICAR, highlighted the continuous research being conducted to make crop residue management more efficient. He motivated farmers to adopt food processing techniques to increase their profitability.
Dr. Nachiket Kotwaliwale, Director of CIPHET Ludhiana, addressed the gathering and pointed out that agricultural produce worth ₹4 lakh crore is wasted annually post-harvest. He stressed that proper attention to post-harvest losses could not only serve as a valuable resource for the country but also boost farmers’ earnings.
The event also featured Mr. Krishna Pal Rajput, SDM of Abohar, as a distinguished guest. He acknowledged Punjab as the food bowl of India but also recognized the agricultural challenges faced by the state. He urged farmers to focus on producing high-quality crops, use fertilizers and pesticides judiciously, and manage crop residues responsibly.
During the event, office bearers of the CIPHET-KVK Farmers’ Club and 12 progressive farmers from the district were honored for their contributions. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, a member of ICAR’s advisory committee, spoke about the significance of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Experts from Punjab Agricultural University, including Dr. Anil Kumar, Dr. Manpreet Singh, and Dr. Jagdish Arora, provided valuable insights on various crops and horticulture.
Prior to the main proceedings, Dr. Amit Nath, Regional Head of CIPHET, welcomed all the dignitaries, while Dr. Arvind Ahlawat, Head of KVK Abohar, expressed gratitude to the attendees. The event was moderated by Dr. Bhupinder Kumar.
A large number of farmers attended the fair and explored the exhibitions on display. The traditional Jhoomar folk dance of Fazilka was a major highlight of the event.
The event was successfully organized with the support of Farmers’ Club representatives, including Surendra Kumar, Karnail Singh, Anil Jiyani, Mahaveer Vishnoi, and Ravikant Gedhar.