Padma Bhushan Dr. Sardara Singh Johl, Honorable Former Chancellor, Central University of Punjab 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 March 20, 2025. Dr.Parvender Sheoran, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone-1 and Dr.Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, PAU also graced the occasion.
Dr. SS Johl, in his inaugural address, advised the candidates to learn about use of right inputs alongwiththeir right application in right quantity and on right time. He said that the farmers should not completely rely on labourersratherthey should dedicate themselves and learn through practicing agriculture by their own.
Earlier, Dr. KB Singh, Director, PAMETI, during his welcome address, explained the objectives of this course. He said that this diploma program focuses on providing specialized knowledge and skills to individuals involved in selling agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. He explained the importance of agricultural extension education for the input dealers to transform them into para-extension professionals.
Dr. Parvender Sheoran emphasized on optimizing use of fertilizers and pesticides/insecticides as per package of practices of PAU for improving crop yield in the state. He said that there is a great need to educate farmers about judicious use of agro chemicals to reduce the cost of production.
Dr. MS Bhullar congratulated all the candidates for admission in this course as this will open up plethora of opportunities for not only starting their own business but also to improve their own agricultural practices. He motivated the participants to ask as many questions from experts for better understanding.
Dr. Rupinder Kaur, State Coordinator- DAESI and Deputy Director-HRM, PAMETI said that input dealers play a crucial role in ensuring responsible use of agricultural inputs as they are the first contact point for farmers. TheNational Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Ministry of Agri& Farmers’ Welfare, GoI has launched this location-specific diplomafor capacity building of these dealers.
Dr. RK Kalra and Dr. Damanjeet Kaur, Retd. Professor, PAU and facilitators of this diploma program explained the guidelines and instructions to all candidates. They intimated that the technical information will be delivered through Contact Classes and field visits by agricultural experts and practitioners on Saturdays for 48 days spread over a year. They motivated the participants for their active involvement in the classes and clear their doubts from the scientists.