The Punjab Agricultural University’s monthly Research and Extension Review Meeting was held at Dr Khem Singh Gill Farmers’ Service Center today. Progressive farmer and Padam Shri awardee KS Chauhan from Sonepat was the Guest of Honour at the event, while Padam Shri awardee and Vice Chancellor, PAU, Dr B.S. Dhillon,was the Chief Guest. In a gripping interaction with the University officers and scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras of the University, Chauhan elaborated his journey from a teenaged 15 year old boy who took to farming, faced various challenges and finally touched the pinnacle of success at a time when the country is going through agrarian distress. From being a debt ridden farmer, it was his indomitable spirit that led him to adopt various innovations in his farming system. Chauhan revealed how he established the integrated farming system which included crop diversification, processing and value addition, marketing, crop residue management and skill development of farmers. He started baby corn cultivation which provided him more remuneration than rice and wheat together. ‘The Gulab Fruit Vegetable Growers and Marketing Cooperative Society’ for marketing of vegetables of farmers to various processing units and value chains, is yet another of his initiatives. He established a fair price system for farmers growing mushroom, babycorn, sweetcorn and tomato. Till date, Chauhan is connected to more than 2000 farmers who are practicing profitable agriculture. Recipient of various state level awards, this inspirational farmer has played a role in the Farmers Producers Organization for management of straw using environment friendly strategies. The immense contribution of this progressive farmer towards Indian agriculture was honoured by bestowing on him the coveted Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of the country.


In his remarks, this year’s recipient of Padam Shri in the category of development of agriculture, science and technology, Dr B.S. Dhillon called upon the farmers to foster ahead courageously with a progressive mindset. He urged the scientists and extension workers to tour the fields of KS Chauhan and see the impact of work done by him. Dr Jaskarn Singh Mahal, Director Extension pointed towards the need for an agricultural shift in terms of sustainability and cropping pattern. He elaborated how the dairy sector progressed with the influence of Chauhan.

The daylong meeting saw elaborate discussions on the outcome of the just harvested rabi crops as well as important strategies, packages etc for the oncoming kharif season.