PAU is the first agricultural institute in the country to initiate the concept of Kisan melas. This activity was started in 1967. These Melas are regularly held twice a year at Ludhiana in March and September. On this occasion, besides field demonstrations, an agro-industrial exhibition is also put up and farm produce competitions are held. Now regional fairs are also held twice a year before the sowing of Rabi and Kharif crops. This is done to cater to the needs of the farmers of the sub-mountain zone (at Gurdaspur), rainfed zone (At Ballowal Saunkhri, Nawanshahar), south-western zone (at Bathinda) and central plain zone (at Patiala). Kisan Melas at PAU campus attract around 0.1 million farmers every session. At the March Kisan Melas, two Chief Minister's Awards are given to the progressive farmers, one each in horticulture and agriculture. Each Award carries a cash prize of Rs. 25,000. Besides these awards, following awards are given to innovative farmers of the state during September Kisan Mela: