AGRICULTURE

New Director calls for crop diversification
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 1
Dr Sarjit Singh Gill took over as Director of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University, here today. Prior to his new appointment, Dr Gill was the Additional Director, Extension Education (Training), in the Directorate of Extension Education, PAU. He signed his joining report in the presence of his close friends, faculty and staff of the Directorate of Extension Education and Centre for Communication, Languages and Culture.

In his message to the farmers after taking over, Dr Gill said that farmers should not look upon private and government agencies for marketing of their produce, instead they should focus on crop diversification and quality production. By producing top quality produce, farmers could dictate their terms, he added. He further said that if small farmers cultivate pulses, oil seeds, vegetables and fruits at least for their own consumption, they could save a lot of money, which they have to spend otherwise on their purchase from the market.

Dr Gill said that the transfer of technology programmes of the university would be further strengthened through efficient use of modern communication technologies. He said that 16 Krishi Vigyan Kendras in the state would be developed as model centres of diversified farming in order to popularise crop diversification in Punjab.

EDUCATION

School holds annual function
Our Correspondent

Mandi Ahmedgarh, May 1
The annual prize distribution function of Baba Kartar Singh Dukki Government Senior Secondary School, Latala, was organised on the school premises yesterday. Ms Kuldeep Kaur, a daughter of Baba Kartar Singh Dukki, a Gadar Movement freedom fighter, presided over the function, while Mr Jagpal Singh Khangura, a Congress leader, was the chief guest.

Ms Kuldeep Kaur called upon the students to follow the path shown by the freedom fighters. Mr Khangura appreciated the role of the Baba Kartar Singh Dukki Educational Trust in improving the standard of education in the school.

A cultural programme was presented by students. Ms Krishana Sharda, Principal, Mr Avtar Singh, Block Samiti member, Capt Nachhatar Singh, secretary of the trust, and Mr Parminder Singh spoke on the occasion.

SPORTS

Avdeep shoots gold in air pistol
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, May 1
Avdeep Singh Bhogal, a student Class VIII of local St Thomas School, made his alma mater as well as the city proud by bagging a gold medal in the 29th Northern India Shooting Championship held from April 22 to 27 at Dehra Dun. Avneet Singh represented Punjab in the air pistol event for sub-junior boys in this meet and gave a stupendous performance. He secured 355 points out of maximum 400 points to romp home victorious.

According to Mr N S Bhogal, senior vice-president, Ludhiana District Rifle Association, six shooters from the city finished among medal winners. Besides Avneet, other medal winners were Gurjeet Singh- gold medal in free pistol with 253 out of 300 points; Atinder Singh Garcha- bronze medal in the air pistol with 353 out of 400 points; Sargam Marwaha- gold medal in air rifle ( open sight ) for junior women; Harsohitbeer Singh- silver medal in air rifle (peep sight) with 573 out of 600 points; and Gaurav Singla- silver medal in air rifle for men with 317 out of 400 points.

Bedi XI win a thriller by two runs
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, May 1
Thanks to strokeful batting display by Bobby (92) and Kuldeep Dhammi (47), Bedi XI managed to scrape past Unique XI by two runs and secured a berth in the Ist Girdhari Lal Sharma and Dharam Raj Memorial Cricket Tournament being held at the Bachan Singh Academy ground at Balloke village near Haibowal Khurd, near here today.

In the first semifinal, Bedi XI won the toss and elected to bat. They scored a mammoth total of 287 for 9 in the stipulated 30 overs. The main architects of their innings were Bobby who hammered 92 including eight sixes and six hits to the fence, Kuldeep Dhammi who scored a quickfire of 47 while Ginny contributed 43 runs. For Unique XI, Sukhpal and Surinder were the succesful bowlers claiming three and two wickets each conceding 34 and 35 runs, respectively.

Unique XI began its reply on a strong foot. However, their middle order batsmen failed to keep up the momentum and they could muster 285 runs after losing six wickets, thus going down by two runs.

Salil Kaushal top scored with 70, studded with eight boundaries and one towering six. Other notable scorers were Ricky ( 53 ) and Sumit ( 36 n.o). Naresh and Deepak of Bedi XI captured two wickets each.

Yash Paul Sharma, former Test cricketer and now an national selector was the chief guest today. He urged the players to play the game with discipline and dedication to achieve higher goals.

Ramgarhia school lads clinch softball title
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, May 1
In a one-sided affair, hosts Ramgarhia Senior Secondary School, Miller Ganj, thrashed Teja Singh Swatantar Memorial Senior Secondary School, Simla Puri, 10-0 to wrap up the title in the boys section of the Ludhiana District Softball Championship which concluded at the Ramgarhia Educational Complex here today.

The final turned out to be a mis-match as Ramgarhia school boys proved too good for their rivals. Teja Singh Swatantar Memorial Senior Secondary School failed to open their account and lost it meekly. For the winners, Sukvir and Sharnjit excelled, contributing two scores each.

Earlier, in the semifinal, Ramgarhia School edged out Teja Singh Memorial Club, Simla Puri, 6-0, with main contributions coming through Sukhvir, Mohit and Chander who chipped in with two scores each. The second semifinal was played between Teja Singh Swatantar Memorial Senior Secondary School and BCM Senior Secondary School, Urban Estate, in which the former came out triumphant with being challenged. They won the final verdict 12-0.