Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Honorable Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University inaugurated two batches of One-year Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers (DAESI) at Punjab Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (PAMETI) on August 28, 2025. Dr.Harjeet Singh Dhaliwal, Former Director, PAMETI also graced the occasion.
In his inaugural address, Dr.Gosal emphasized the importance of optimizing the use of fertilizers and pesticides/insecticides in line with the package of practices recommended by PAU to enhance crop productivity. He highlighted the need to educate farmers on the judicious use of agro-chemicals to reduce production costs. Congratulating the candidates, he remarked that the diploma would open up vast opportunities for them, not only to establish their own enterprises but also to strengthen their agricultural practices.
Dr. Dhaliwal encouraged the trainees to adopt the right inputs in appropriate quantities and at the right time. He urged farmers not to rely entirely on labourers, but to dedicate themselves to learning and practicing improved agricultural methods.
Earlier, Dr. K.B. Singh, Director, PAMETI, in his welcome address, outlined the objectives of the programme. He stated that input dealers play a pivotal role as the first point of contact for farmers and are instrumental in ensuring responsible use of agricultural inputs. He informed that the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, has launched this diploma to strengthen the capacity of input dealers.
Dr.Rupinder Kaur, State Coordinator-DAESI and Deputy Director-HRM, PAMETI, underlined the significance of equipping input dealers with technical knowledge and extension skills, enabling them to act as effective partners in transferring improved technologies to farmers.
The facilitators of the programme, Dr. R.K. Kalra and Dr.Damanjeet Kaur, Retd. Professor, PAU, explained the course guidelines and instructions. They informed that technical knowledge would be imparted through 48 contact sessions spread over the year, complemented with field visits by experts and practitioners. They further motivated the participants to actively engage in the sessions and utilize the platform to clarify their doubts with scientists.