PAU Unveils Coffee Table Book Celebrating Punjab’s Wheat Heritage and Scientific Excellence
LUDHIANA: A coffee table book titled “Fields of Punjab’s Wheat – The Spirit of Baisakhi” was released today during a special event held at the Committee Room of the Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana. The book, which visually documents wheat varieties developed by PAU, has been published by the Communication Centre as its fifth coffee table publication. It has been edited by Shri Harpreet Sandhu, State Information Commissioner, Punjab.
Sanjeev Arora, Minister for Industry & Commerce, Local Government and Power, Punjab, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Rajya Sabha Member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal attended as the Guest of Honour. Among others present were Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU; Dr Jatinderpal Singh Gill, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University; Shri Avtar Singh Dhindsa; noted lyricist Shri Shamshad Sandhu; Prof Gurbhajan Gill; Dr Nirmal Jaura; senior PAU officials; representatives of Kisan Clubs and Organic Farming Clubs; farmers and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Sanjeev Aroraappreciated PAU’s consistent efforts in publishing quality literature for farmers. He described the book as an important medium for disseminating scientific information on wheat varieties to the general public, which was earlier confined largely to farmers and specific sectors. He expressed confidence that such initiatives would further enhance PAU’s stature in society.
Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal lauded PAU’s significant contribution towards environmental conservation and described its lush green campus as an inspiration for society. He termed the book highly valuable, noting that it presents important information through compelling visuals and helps spread awareness about agriculture and environment.
In his address, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, recalled the critical period when India faced food shortages and depended on imports. He highlighted the joint efforts of PAU scientists and Punjab farmers in transforming the country into a food-surplus nation. He informed that PAU has developed around 66 wheat varieties, many of which have been nationally recommended for cultivation, and several of these have been featured in the book. Dr Gosal also emphasized PAU’s continued commitment to developing wheat varieties aligned with market and nutritional needs, citing examples such as zinc-enriched varieties and PAU Biscuit-1.
Sharing his views, Shri Harpreet Sandhu, editor of the book, remarked that the development of wheat varieties is akin to the pursuit of “golden light” that extends from PAU laboratories to Punjab’s fields. He described the compilation of these varieties in a coffee table format as a matter of pride.
Earlier, Dr Tejinder Singh Riar, Additional Director of Communication, PAU, welcomed the guests and elaborated on the university’s publishing initiatives. He stated that PAU continuously produces scientific literature aimed at disseminating research to farmers and various stakeholders. He added that this book is a sincere effort to document PAU’s wheat varieties along with their visuals, following the university’s earlier four coffee table publications.
The proceedings were conducted by Dr Vishal Bector, Associate Director (Institutional Relations).
On the occasion, seven progressive farmers of Punjab were honoured with copies of the coffee table book and shawls.
What's Your Reaction?
Like
0
Dislike
0
Love
0
Funny
0
Angry
0
Sad
0
Wow
0
