Agri varsity hosts workshop on integrated farming systems
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, initiated a four-day workshop of the All India Joint Research Project in collaboration with the ICAR’s National Research Centre on Farming Systems, Modipuram, today.
The event, held every two years, brings together agricultural scientists, experts, and stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on sustainable farming practices and chart a roadmap for Indian agriculture. The workshop aims to evaluate the current agricultural landscape, foster innovation, and promote integrated farming systems as a solution to environmental and economic challenges.
The inaugural session saw the PAU’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, as the chief guest. He was joined by ICAR Deputy Director General Dr SK Chaudhary.
Dr Chaudhary, in his keynote address, called the workshop a historic event and emphasised the necessity of shifting agricultural practices beyond productivity to ensure nutritional security and sustainable development. He urged scientists to explore market-driven, resource-efficient farming methods to transform Indian agriculture.
The workshop included the presentation of the 2023-24 progress report by the project coordinator, Dr N Ravi Shankar, who detailed the project’s achievements and future plans for integrated farming systems. Participants also witnessed the release of the project’s annual report, newly published literature, and video documentaries, showcasing agricultural diversity activities in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Odisha, and Maharashtra.
The event was enriched with remarks from the PAU’s Director of Research, Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, who emphasised the importance of collaboration between research institutions and farming communities. He called upon the experts to focus their efforts on developing sustainable community-based farming models to support small and medium-scale farmers.
