Bathinda, November 15-In celebration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab, the School of Agriculture Sciences and Engineering at Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University (MRSPTU), Bathinda launched two impactful environmental initiatives— a Farm Extension Service promoting sustainable wheat sowing and a Winter Annual Planting and Tree Plantation Drive. The events underscored the university’s dedication to sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.

At a special Farm Extension Service held today (November 14) at the farm of progressive farmer Harmail Singh Romana in Jodhpur Romana Village, MRSPTU demonstrated innovative wheat cultivation practices aimed at preventing paddy straw burning.

The program, dedicated to the theme "Pavan Guru, Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat," was inaugurated by Chief Guest Prof. (Dr.) Sandeep Kansal, Vice Chancellor of MRSPTU. Dr. Kansal emphasized the timeless teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who advocated respect for nature and our environment, viewing air, water, and earth as family. He highlighted Guru Nanak’s words, "Pavan Guru Paani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat"—meaning "Air is our teacher, Water our father, and Earth our mother." Dr. Kansal urged that a true tribute to Guru Nanak would be to protect and preserve these natural resources for future generations, especially in the face of growing pollution and depleting water supplies.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Kansal and Mr. Ramesh Dhand from the Tree Lovers Society, who generously donated 10,000 winter annual plants, were present at the event.

Head of Department Prof. Jasvir Singh Tiwana, Students and faculty, including Dr. Wineet Chawla, Dr. Kanwaljit Singh, and Er. Rajinder Singh Smagh, engaged with local farmers to introduce sustainable farming methods, such as the ‘Paddy Chopper Shredder’ machine donated by Chaany Agro Industry, which turns paddy straw into bio-compost. This eco-friendly approach reduces air pollution and improves soil fertility, offering farmers viable alternatives to stubble burning.

Simultaneously, the university organized a Winter Annual Planting and Tree Plantation Drive on campus in partnership with the Tree Lovers Society, Bathinda, commemorating the Gurpurab.