The Punjab Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (PAMETI) conducted a one-day capacity-building programme focused on enhancing extension approaches for the development of sugarcane cultivation in Punjab. The training was attended by 16 extension officers from the Sugarcane Wing of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Punjab.
The programme opened with an address by Dr Ravneet Singh, Deputy Director (PHT), PAMETI, who welcomed the participants and outlined the purpose and importance of the initiative in boosting sugarcane productivity and improving extension delivery across the state. Dr Amrik Singh, Cane Commissioner, Punjab, was also present and shared his perspectives on strengthening the sector.
The formal inauguration was carried out by Dr KB Singh, Director, PAMETI, in the presence of Dr Amrik Singh. Addressing the gathering, Dr KB Singh underscored the importance of adopting modern technologies and strengthening extension mechanisms to support sustainable growth of sugarcane farming in Punjab.
The training featured a series of expert-led technical sessions by specialists from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and its associated research centres. Dr Gulzar Singh Sanghera, Director of the Research Station at Kapurthala, spoke on integrated strategies covering sugarcane production, crop protection and varietal choice. Dr Kuldeep Singh, Director of the Regional Research Station, Faridkot, discussed recommended agronomic practices for sugarcane cultivation, while Dr Rajesh Goyal, Principal Scientist, PAU, addressed the role of mechanisation in improving farm efficiency. An additional session by Dr Mahesh Kumar, Additional Director of Research, PAU, focused on advanced jaggery processing methods aimed at improving quality and market appeal.
To complement the classroom sessions, participants were taken on an exposure visit to the Jaggery Processing Unit at PAU, where they received hands-on insight into modern processing techniques.
The extension officials actively engaged with the resource persons during the programme and expressed satisfaction with the training. In their feedback, participants highlighted the value of such practical, skill-based programmes and called for more similar initiatives to further strengthen sugarcane extension services in the state.
