Amidst an atmosphere brimming with joy and jubilation, the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) became a vibrant hub as farmers and agriculture enthusiasts united to commemorate the grand festival of Besakhi. Led by the dedicated team of the Department of Agronomy, headed by Dr. Fahd Rasul, Vice President of the PUAN North Punjab Chapter, this extraordinary event was a harmonious collaboration with the Senior Tutor Office, Agritourism Club, and the Department of Agronomy.
Distinguished personalities graced the occasion, including Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor of UAF, Treasurer Mr. Umar Saeed Kadri, Chairman of the Agronomy department, Prof. Dr. Abdul Khaliq, Senior Tutor Dr. Shaukat Ali, Director of Foreign Student Affairs, Dr. Zain, Director of Farms, Dr. Safdar, Dr. Rizwan Maqbool, Dr. Asif Iqbal Dahasi, Dr. Umair Gul (Incharge of Agri Tourism Club), Dr. Farhana from GC University, and Rida Sandhu, a proud PUAN alumni. Together, they represented various student societies, adding to the diversity and fervor of the celebration. Despite the tense situation in the country, the festival attracted a large number of farmers and students, their spirits undeterred.
The festival served as an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange, with displays showcasing high-yielding wheat varieties and the latest harvesting machines. The aim was to equip farmers with cutting-edge techniques and tools, empowering them to maximize their agricultural practices and achieve bumper yields. Dr. Fahd Rasul, Vice President of PUAN’s North Punjab Chapter, presented innovative and cost-effective hermetic drums and bags for wheat storage, further revolutionizing the industry.
In addition to the enlightening exhibits, a myriad of stalls adorned the festival grounds, offering an array of wheat-based value-added products. These not only provided refreshments but also showcased the potential of wheat-derived innovations, promoting local agricultural entrepreneurship. Visitors were treated to tantalizing samples and had the opportunity to support these ventures by making purchases.
To honor the rich cultural heritage of the region, captivating traditional dances graced the stage, radiating the vibrancy and spirit of our land. The cultural performances were complemented by an exquisite selection of desi foods, including Sardai, Lassi, Dalya, Halwa, Satoo, and Kheer, tantalizing taste buds and evoking nostalgia.
The success of the Besakhi Festival was a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Senior Tutor Office (Agri Tourism Club) and the PUAN North Punjab chapter, led by the visionary Dr. Fahd Rasul. This event not only celebrated the abundance of the wheat harvest but also served as a stepping stone towards a prosperous future in agriculture. It marked the culmination of an extensive wheat campaign throughout Punjab, which commenced during the sowing season and reached its fruition in the vibrant festivities of Besakhi Wadhyian Mela.
Let us cherish the significance of every grain and nurture the bond between academia, farmers, and the agricultural industry. Together, we sow the seeds of a thriving tomorrow!
