Ludhiana, February 6
The 36th National-level three-week ICAR-sponsored Centre for Advanced Faculty Training (CAFT) programme on “Conservation Agriculture for Regenerating Soil Health and Climate Change Mitigation” was inaugurated on February 5, 2026, at the Department of Soil Science, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana.
The inaugural function was graced by the Honorable Vice-Chancellor of PAU, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, as the Chief Guest, while Dr A. S. Dhatt, Director of Research, PAU, attended as the Guest of Honour.
At the outset, Dr Rajeev Sikka, Head of the Department of Soil Science and Course Director, welcomed the dignitaries, participants, faculty and staff. He informed that scientists from eight states—Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Kerala—are participating in the advanced training programme. He also shared details about the department’s expertise, state-of-the-art facilities and ongoing research initiatives.
On the occasion, Dr Gosal highlighted the national and international recognition earned by the Department of Soil Science for its pioneering contributions in soil health management, nutrient stewardship and conservation agriculture. He emphasized PAU’s continued commitment to academic and research excellence, noting that the university secured first position in Agriculture and Allied Sectors in the NIRF-2025 rankings and remains India’s only State Agricultural University included in the BRICS Network University.
Dr A. S. Dhatt also addressed the participants and underscored the critical role of conservation agriculture in sustaining natural resources and mitigating climate change impacts. He stressed the need for wider adoption of resource-conserving technologies, particularly crop residue management and cautioned that climate change is no longer a distant concern but a present-day challenge affecting soil health, water availability, crop productivity and farmers’ livelihoods. He also encouraged participants to develop joint research problems during the training programme.
Among other dignitaries present were Dr G. P. S. Sodhi, Associate Director of Extension Education; Dr K. B. Singh, Director, PAMETI; Dr O. P. Choudhary, Emeritus Scientist and Dr. R. Sharda, Principal Scientist (Plasticulture). The programme ended with vote of thanks proposed by Dr M. S. Kahlon, Chief Coordinator CAFT.
