Ludhiana: In a strategic push toward “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” Punjab’s director of agriculture, GS Brar, has called upon farmers and extension functionaries to prioritize the cultivation of oilseeds and pulses. Speaking at the inauguration of a two-day Research and Extension Specialists’ Workshop for Kharif Crops at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today, Brar emphasized the urgent need to reduce India’s heavy reliance on foreign imports for essential food commodities.Highlighting the economic stakes, Dr. Brar revealed that the Central government has allocated ₹1,70,000 crore to bolster domestic oilseed production by 2030. He noted that India currently imports oil worth ₹400 crore from Indonesia and ₹40,000 crore from Malaysia, while pulse imports—largely from Burma—account for another ₹22,000 crore. To counter this, he urged researchers to develop high-yield, protected varieties and encouraged the adoption of precision agriculture, automation, and AI-driven pest management.
Adapting to climate and marketPAU vice-chancellor (V-C) Satbir Singh Gosal echoed these sentiments, specifically advocating for “desi” cotton, which he termed “medicine cotton” for its potential to yield high market dividends. Addressing environmental challenges, Gosal warned of the early arrival of heatwaves and instructed scientists to prepare for emerging pests and diseases. He stressed a structural shift from traditional farming toward agro-processing and agri-business to augment the rural economy.New varieties on the horizonThe workshop also served as a platform for technical breakthroughs. Dr. AS Dhatt, Director of Research, introduced several new varieties awaiting state approval, including PR 133 (paddy), PBD 88 (cotton), and NK 7328. Beyond seeds, the university highlighted “Bioretention cells” for roadside groundwater recharge and prudent production technologies for staples like wheat, sugarcane, and soybean.The event featured technical sessions on rice, maize, and pulses, alongside an exhibition of cutting-edge agricultural technologies. The workshop also saw the release of a new publication, Processing and Value Addition of Millets.
