Ludhiana, March 22, 2025:
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, extended a heartfelt welcome to a visiting delegation from California State University, Fresno (CSU Fresno) on the eve of its iconic two-day Kisan Mela—hailed as the largest farmer-scientist interface in the world. The delegation’s visit is being facilitated by the Punjabi American Farmers Group, California and Samagra Unnayan Foundation (SUF), Mohali.
The delegates, led by Dr. Gureet Brar, PAU alumnus and Associate Professor of Pomology at CSU, and Dr. Sharon Benes, Professor of Soil Science, expressed deep appreciation for the university’s hospitality and the dynamic agricultural environment of Punjab. Dr. Brar, who is also mentoring Anirudh, a PAU student of Extension Education currently pursuing a sandwich programme at CSU under Dr. Anil Sharma's guidance, described his return to PAU as an emotional “homecoming.” He shared his excitement at representing both universities during the Mela, stating, “It’s a privilege to be back where my roots are, and witness this grand celebration of science and farming.”
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal warmly welcomed the delegates and expressed his delight in hosting international partners during such a vibrant showcase of Punjab’s agricultural excellence. He emphasized the need for global knowledge exchange to advance sustainable agriculture and shared PAU’s commitment to innovation- and sustainable growth.
He briefed the delegates about the over 390 exhibition stalls, showcasing innovations in farm mechanization, climate-smart agriculture, crop diversification, organic farming, and agro-processing. " I hope you have fruitful engagement with faculty, students, and progressive farmers, gaining valuable insights into India’s agricultural transformation and PAU’s pivotal role in it.
Director of Extension Education, Dr. Makhan Singh Bhullar, offered a floral welcome to the guests, highlighting the significance of Indo-US collaboration in addressing global agricultural challenges. The delegation shared their excitement at witnessing the dynamic farmer-scientist interface and applauded the scale and impact of the Kisan Mela.
The delegates presented souvenirs from CSU and showcased packaged agricultural produce including almonds, dried peaches, pistachios, and trail mix, highlighting the rich agricultural diversity of California’s Central Valley.
Dr. Manjeet Singh, Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering, briefed the visitors on PAU’s latest advancements in agro-engineering and the special agro-industrial exhibition set up in the Mela ground, demonstrating cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance productivity and sustainability.
Also present during the welcome ceremony was Ms. Sunal Roamin, noted environmentalist and Vice President of SUF, who shared insights on their environmental and natural resource preservation efforts across Punjab. SUF will host the visiting CSU group at their Barota Farms camp from March 26 to 28, deepening the delegation’s exposure to grassroots innovation in Indian agriculture.
Dr. Vishal Bector, Associate Director (Institutional Linkages), coordinated the entire visit and ensured the delegation was briefed on key highlights of the two-day Mela, including live crop demonstrations, precision farming tools, AI applications in agriculture, value-added food products, and interactive sessions with award-winning progressive farmers.
Despite the heat, the visitors were assured that the vibrant energy, technological diversity, and cultural richness of the event would leave them mesmerized and inspired by the spirit of Punjab’s agricultural heritage.