The RAWE students of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), organized a large-scale motivational camp on the efficient use of agricultural machinery, role of self-help groups, and the importance of cooperative societies at the Farmer Information Centre, established by the Department of Extension Education at the Cooperative Society of Kanech. The main objective of the camp was to motivate farmers and women to adopt new techniques and modern approaches to enhance their income. The students explained that using modern agricultural machinery saves both time and labor, while increasing productivity. In addition, discussions were held on processing and value addition of farm produce. The students demonstrated how farmers can prepare products such as jam, juice, squash, pickle, and other items from fruits and vegetables at the household level to generate additional income. This camp was attended by almost 80 farmers and farm women from villages of Kanech and Bir Sahnewal.
Dr Lopamudra Mohapatra, Assistant Professor, Department of Extension Education, highlighted that this camp serves as a platform for direct interaction between students and villagers. She mentioned that the university’s main objective is to promote agricultural development at the grassroots level, which is possible only when farmers unite through cooperative societies. She further stressed that empowering women economically through self-help groups is the first step toward social transformation.
During the camp, students interacted openly with villagers to understand their challenges and offered practical suggestions for solutions. They encouraged farmers to take initiatives such as establishing machinery banks, starting shared service models, and marketing their produce collectively in local markets. They conveyed that cooperative societies and self-help groups are not just tools for income generation but also promote unity, trust, and collective growth within rural communities.
The villagers highly appreciated the efforts of the students, noting that such programs provide new motivation and encourage rural communities to move toward self-reliance.
In conclusion, representatives of the Kanech Cooperative Society expressed gratitude and suggested that Punjab Agricultural University should continue organizing such camps regularly to connect farmers and women with modern agricultural technologies and entrepreneurial ideas. On this occasion, Mr Reet Kamal, Secretary of the Kanech Cooperative Society, said that such camps are extremely beneficial for farmers as they connect them with modern technology and improved agricultural practices. He emphasized that as farmers adopt technology, both their productivity and economic stability improve.
Finally, the RAWE students extended heartfelt thanks to the farmers of Kanech and Bir Sahnewal for their cooperation and support.
Dr Vipan Rampal, Head, Department of Extension Education, appreciated the students for their efforts and said that such student driven campaigns at grass root level are instrumental for women empowerment and urged the farmers to stay connected to the university for real time information regarding farming practices.
Dr CS Aulakh, Dean CoA, also lauded the initiatives being taken by the final year B. Sc (Ag) Hons. students in organizing such campaigns so impressively and proving their mettle to become the change agents and working so closely with the farm households.
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