The Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, organised a field day on “Machinery for diversification of agriculture and farm safety” at the departmental farm here today. The field day was attended by about 350 progressive farmers, Extension Engineers, field staff bankers and officers from the Department of Agriculture, Punjab, reputed farm manufacturers and scientists from different departments of PAU.

Dr S.S. Ahuja, Head, Department of Farm Power and Machinery, highlighted the need and purpose of diversification of agriculture and explained that this event was being held to educate and acquaint the gathering regarding the benefit of use of machinery.

Dr D.R. Kataria, Joint Director, Agriculture Punjab, who was the chief guest stated that in view of the fact that land holdings in the state were getting fragmented it was very difficult for small farmers who were also under debt to buy such costly equipment. He mentioned that the Punjab Government had provided subsidy for various farm equipment for accelerating diversification of agriculture.

Dr V.K. Sharma, Registrar, PAU, in his valedictory address emphasised that keeping in view the fragmentation of land holdings and high cost of machinery the farmers should purchase these costly farm machinery in user groups or establish cooperative societies for agricultural implements.