Ludhiana: A group of 10 IAS officer trainees of the 2024 batch, currently undergoing field training in various districts of Punjab, visited the Communication Centre of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) here to understand the university’s role in disseminating scientific information to farmers. The visit was organised as part of their “Punjab Darshan” tour, an integral component of the training programme aimed at exposing officer trainees to the state’s cultural, religious and historical heritage, along with its industrial and developmental initiatives.Addressing the trainees, Dr Tejinder Singh Riar, additional director of communication, PAU, briefed them on the mandate and outreach activities of the communication centre. He said agriculture continues to be the backbone of India’s economy and institutions such as PAU have played a key role in strengthening the research-extension-farmer linkage.Dr Riar said it was important for future administrators to understand agricultural systems, as informed governance is closely linked to the ground realities of the farming sector. He added that a sound understanding of agriculture helps civil servants design and implement effective policies related to rural development, food security, sustainability and farmer welfare.Highlighting the relevance of agricultural knowledge for administrators, Dr Riar said such exposure enables officers to better appreciate challenges including climate variability, resource management and technology adoption. He said this, in turn, contributes to more effective decision-making and improved governance at the grassroots level.The trainees interacted with officials and gained insights into how PAU communicates research-based advisories to farmers across Punjab.
