Punjab Agriculture Minister confers certificates to 73 input dealers at PAMETI, Ludhiana

Says they could play a proactive role in providing quality and recommended seeds, fertilisers to farmers

Also urges to empower farmers through their knowledge gained during course to strengthen state’s farming

Ludhiana, June 27:

Punjab Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian on Friday gave away certificates to 73 input dealers on successfully completion of one-year Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services at the Punjab Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (PAMETI).  Speaking on the occasion the cabinet Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian said that the input dealers are a vital source of accurate and appropriate information, which is always useful for farmers to choose farm friendly pesticides, fertilisers, manure and others agri inputs. He described input dealers as ‘first contact point’ for farmers, urging them to guide farmers in choosing quality seeds and inputs as per the crops. He called upon the newly certified dealers to apply their training to share accurate, up-to-date information, enabling farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices and boost productivity. He stated that the agriculture is backbone of Punjab’s economy so the farmers should get first hand requisite information for advanced farming for which these input dealers could play a proactive role thus further bolster the state’s economy. The Minister also emphasized that it was the bounden beauty of dealers to provide quality seeds and right information to farmers besides prioritizing farmers’ welfare by ensuring the supply of authentic, high-quality fertilizers, pesticides and seeds. He also cautioned that the sale of substandard or counterfeit products would not be tolerated at any cost. He stressed that ethical practices are essential for sustaining trust and supporting Punjab’s agricultural heritage. He also encouraged dealers to stock and distribute agricultural literature authored by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) experts and other renowned scientists at their shops. By providing farmers with access to these valuable resources, dealers can empower them with cutting-edge knowledge to adopt best practices and improve farm outcomes. He also released book , “Vigyanic Kheti ate pasar sewavan” written by PAMETI Scientists for transfer of latest agricultural technology to benefits of famers and extension officers working in field.

Punjab Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal also congratulated the passing out dealers, noting that the Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services equips them with the expertise to promote sustainable farming practices. He added that these 73 input dealers are now positioned to strengthen Punjab’s agricultural ecosystem by providing farmers reliable guidance and quality inputs. He also emphasized that their role is critical in enhancing crop yields and fostering environmentally responsible farming. PAMETI Director Dr Kanwar Barjinder Singh told that these trainees are equipped with knowledge required to act as para-extension workers for transfer of technology to the farmers. Joint Director Agriculture Dr Dilbagh Singh, Dr Gurmail Singh and chief agriculture officer Dr Gurdeep Singh were also present on the occasion. Dr Rupinder Kaur state co-ordinator DAESI organized the stage of the function.