Lovely Professional University's commitment to knowledge transfer and accessibility to local farmers is a testament to its dedication to improving the agricultural landscape in the region. Through a combination of workshops, training programs, field demonstrations, research collaborations, and information dissemination, LPU is equipping farmers and food producers with the tools they need to enhance farm production sustainably and at minimal cost. These initiatives not only contribute to food security but also empower local farmers to address agricultural challenges through innovative research methodologies, thus facilitating long-term economic and environmental sustainability.

The aquaponics project demonstrates groundbreaking technology that combines hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics for sustainable and efficient crop cultivation. Hydroponic experiments with mineral nutrient solutions allow learners to master soil-less cultivation and understand plant nutrition. Meanwhile, the Flying Farmer drone, a creation by LPU students, introduces a new era in agriculture by facilitating soil nutrient and water stress analysis. These innovative technologies offer potential solutions for urban farming, limited arable land, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Lovely Professional University has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable agriculture and food security through its outstanding performance in the 2023 Scimago Institutions Rankings. The university's high rankings in fields such as Animal Science and Zoology, Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics, and Soil Science highlight its dedication to research and innovation in these crucial areas. LPU's contributions directly support SDG 2, aiming to eradicate hunger and promote sustainable agriculture. By conducting cutting-edge research and developing innovative solutions, the university is actively contributing to global efforts to address food insecurity and build resilient food systems.

Experience Learning Programs (ELP) offer farmers opportunities to learn about and practice new farming techniques.

• Water and Fertigation Management in Microirrigation
• Hydroponics Systems for Growing Plants
• Production of Quality Planting Material of Forest Species
• Production of Ornamental Plants and Nursery Aspects
• Protected Cultivation of Flower Crops
• Commercial Flower Production and Landscape Gardening
• Protected Cultivation of Vegetable Crops
• Commercial Vegetable Production
• Nursery Production and Management of Fruit Plants
• Quality Seed Production of Field Crops
• Commercial Beekeeping
• Composting by Different Methods
• Crop Production-Millets
• Organic Farming
• ITK for Sustainable Agriculture
• Lac Cultivation
• Mass Multiplication of Bioagents
• Robotics and Automation for Agriculture
• Remote Sensing and IoT in Agriculture
• Soil, Plant, Water and Seed Testing
• Production Technology for Biopesticides and Biofertilizers
• Production Technology for Mycorrhiza
• Production Technology for Yeast
• Mushroom Cultivation Technology
• Design and Development of Machines
• Agricultural Machinery Management
• Post Harvest Technology and Value Addition
• Dehydrated Fruits and Vegetables Processing
• Cereal and Bakery Technology
• Vermicompost-Production and Practices

The School of Agriculture at Lovely Professional University recently organized a Farmer’s Field Visit and Hands-on Training Program on Biopesticides at Indna Kalaske Village, Phagwara, Punjab. The program was led by Dr. Vipul Kumar, Associate Professor of Plant Pathology, together with his Experiential Learning Program (ELP) students, who actively contributed to the training sessions. The initiative was designed to familiarize farmers with eco-friendly pest management practices, focusing on the use of biopesticides as a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides. During the field demonstrations, farmers were given practical exposure to the preparation, application, and evaluation of biopesticides. Special emphasis was placed on explaining how these natural solutions can reduce crop losses, enhance productivity, and simultaneously safeguard the environment by minimizing harmful chemical residues in soil and water. The event also encouraged direct interaction between farmers and students, creating a two-way exchange of traditional farming knowledge and modern scientific approaches. Such participation ensured that the learning experience was not only comprehensive but also contextually relevant to local farming needs. Adding further value to the program, the event received the support of the village Sarpanch, Mr. Gurjinder Singh, along with progressive farmers Amarjit Singh, Gurnam Singh, and Jagdeep Singh. Their involvement reflected the community’s growing interest in adopting sustainable agricultural practices. Overall, the workshop highlighted LPU’s ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable crop protection and empowering farmers through knowledge-driven initiatives

Promoting sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment, the School of Agriculture at Lovely Professional University (LPU), in partnership with the NSS unit Prayas, organized an Agricultural Awareness Programme in Hardo-Pharala village, Punjab. The initiative aimed to share practical knowledge with local farmers while building stronger community ties. Coordinators Dr. Haobijam James Watt and Dr. Sharad Sachan, supported by a group of ten NSS students, led the programme with dedication and enthusiasm. The event included a wide range of expert talks delivered by faculty from the Department of Agricultural Entomology. Dr. Des Raj Sharma, Dr. Ankush Rawat, and Dr. Sandeep Chaudhary provided valuable insights into effective pest management techniques. Dr. Ujagar Singh Walia discussed strategies for controlling weeds in Kharif crops, while Dr. Harmit Singh Thind emphasized efficient nutrient management for enhancing productivity. Dr. Adesh Kumar shed light on plant disease control through the use of biopesticides and biochar, and Dr. Devendra Kumar explained the growing scope of mushroom cultivation. The programme concluded with the presence of Dean Dr. Ramesh Kumar Sadawarti and village Sarpanch Karanjit Singh, reaffirming LPU’s dedication to supporting the farming community through knowledge transfer and sustainable solutions.

Strengthening academic–government collaborations in the field of sustainable plant protection, the Department of Plant Pathology, Lovely Professional University (LPU) contributed to a specialized “Train the Trainers” programme organized at the Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC), Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, Jalandhar, Punjab. Representing LPU, Dr. Adesh Kumar and Dr. Vipul Kumar were invited as resource persons to share their expertise with officials from the State Agriculture Department. They conducted an in-depth lecture on the “Mass Production of Bio-control Agents and Their Application,” emphasizing eco-friendly techniques to safeguard crops against insect pests and plant diseases. The session highlighted practical approaches for integrating biocontrol agents into pest management systems, thereby reducing dependency on chemical pesticides and promoting environmental sustainability. In addition to the training session, the visit facilitated a scientific interaction with senior CIPMC officials, where discussions were held on exploring future collaborative activities and joint initiatives in research, extension, and farmer outreach programmes.

Raising awareness on the threats posed by invasive weeds, the Department of Agronomy, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University (LPU), organized a dedicated programme as part of “Parthenium Awareness Week.” The initiative focused on educating farmers, students, and local communities about the risks associated with Parthenium, a highly aggressive, poisonous, and allergenic weed that poses serious health hazards to both humans and animals while also threatening agricultural productivity. The programme emphasized practical approaches for the management and control of Parthenium, encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable weed management practices to safeguard crop yields and community well-being. Campaigns were actively carried out in nearby villages adopted by LPU, where field-level demonstrations and expert discussions helped local farmers understand the economic and ecological implications of unchecked Parthenium spread. A major highlight of the event was the enthusiastic participation of nearly 150 students, who not only gained hands-on exposure to rural extension activities but also contributed meaningfully to raising community awareness. By bridging academic knowledge with field engagement, the event underscored LPU’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental health.

Promoting sustainable solutions to one of Punjab’s pressing agricultural challenges, the School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University (LPU) organized a One-Day Seminar cum Workshop on Biochar: An Alternative and Sustainable Method for Stubble Burning at Indna Kalaske village, Phillaur tehsil. The event was conducted under the ongoing AAKASH Project, a collaborative research initiative between LPU and the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN), Japan. The programme attracted the participation of more than 40 farmers from surrounding villages, who were introduced to the concept of biochar production from crop residues and its role in building a sustainable agricultural future. Farmers engaged in interactive sessions, gaining practical insights into the benefits of biochar, not only as a tool for reducing stubble burning but also as a resource for enhancing soil fertility and crop productivity. Expert lectures were delivered by Dr. Chandra Mohan Mehta, Dr. R. K. Gupta, and Dr. Vipul Kumar, supported by postgraduate scholars and industry specialists. Discussions highlighted biochar’s use in crop cultivation, biofertilizer production, and its wider potential to contribute to eco-friendly farming practices across Punjab.

On March 2, 2023, the School of Agriculture at Lovely Professional University organized a seminar and workshop on biochar as an ecologically valid substitute for burning the stubble. The function which lasted for one day attracted more than forty farmers from villages located nearby. The aim of the workshop was to teach farmers about producing biochar from different plant residues that are used in agriculture; it was sponsored by a Japan-based research project. The program was run with professional help from LPU teachers such as Dr.chandra mohan mehta, Dr.us walia, Dr.harmit singh thind,Dr.jatinder singh and Dr.vipul kumar together with some post-graduate students. Some of the core points of discussion were how biochar enhances crops and its possible use in horticulture and biofertilizers. LPU Hosts Biochar Workshop for Farmers A seminar cum workshop on biochar acting as an environmentally balanced option to burning stubble was held at Lovely Professional University’s School of Agriculture on 2nd March 2023. Over 40 farmers from nearby villages attended this event which was co-funded by Japanese research grants. Different crop residues used in farming practices were some of what the farmers learnt during this workshop. It consisted assistants from different LPU faculties such as those of Dr. Chandra Mohan Mehta, Dr. U.S. Walia, Dr. Harmit Singh Thind, Dr.Jatinder Singh among others including postgraduate students assisting them throughout the activity aiming at evincing how beneficial is biochar for modern day farming methods; thus leading us discovering its implications towards horticulture or even going ahead to produce Biofertilizers.

The bloom Flower Show Recently at LPU’s School of Agriculture the colourful and vibrant Spring Flower Show was held. In the show, students showcased their innovative flair through various competitions such as floral decoration, rangoli designs made using flowers, live photography and terrarium making. For everyone the wonderful colours and competition made it unforgettable event.

The camp, held on May 15, 2023, focused on addressing the pressing issue of soil degradation in Punjab. By providing farmers with practical, cost-effective solutions, the camp aimed to empower them to mitigate the risks associated with chemical-intensive agriculture. The comprehensive program covered topics such as Trichoderma application, biochar preparation, and the growing importance of millets. Through hands-on training and demonstrations, farmers gained a deeper understanding of Trichoderma and its benefits in pest and disease management. Additionally, they were introduced to innovative technologies that can help them improve their agricultural practices while reducing their reliance on harmful chemicals.

The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and the Department of Plant Pathology at Lovely Professional University (LPU) jointly organized a one-day workshop on April 7, 2023, to address the challenges of stubble management in agriculture. Thirty farmers participated in the workshop, which featured interactive sessions, presentations, and practical demonstrations. Distinguished speakers, including the Dean of LPU's School of Agriculture and Dr. Lavleen Shukla from IARI, discussed various stubble management techniques like mechanical incorporation, mulching, composting, and bioenergy production. Experts emphasized the benefits of these methods, such as improved soil health, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and increased income. Farmers shared their experiences and challenges related to stubble management, including costs, equipment availability, and training needs. The workshop provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, idea exchange, and learning from successful practices in different regions.

The School of Agriculture at Lovely Professional University organized a seminar cum workshop on March 4, 2023, focusing on biochar as a sustainable alternative to stubble burning. Supported by the Aakash Project, a collaborative research initiative with Japan, the event attracted over 40 farmers from nearby villages. Faculty members from the School of Agriculture, including Dr. Chandra Mohan Mehta, Dr. U.S. Walia, Dr. Harmit Singh Thind, Dr. Jatinder Singh, and Dr. Vipul Kumar, along with postgraduate scholars, participated in the workshop. Mr. Gajanand Aggarwal from Flying Trade India also provided support. Dr. Chandra Mohan Mehta highlighted the significance of biochar application in various crops and explained different biochar-making methods. Dr. U.S. Walia and Dr. Harmit Singh Thind discussed sustainable agricultural approaches, while Dr. Jatinder Singh focused on the potential of horticultural crops in Punjab. Dr. Vipul Kumar explored the use of biochar-based amendments in biofertilizer production. The workshop successfully raised awareness among farmers about the sustainable benefits of biochar and its potential as an alternative to stubble burning. It also opened the door for future events and workshops on this topic.

Lovely Professional University recognizes need of quality human resource which will identify and solve the problems of farmers through innovative research methodologies along with dissemination of new technologies for sustainable and quality farm production at minimal cost.

Lovely Professional University is deeply committed to fostering knowledge transfer and accessibility for local farmers. Recognizing the importance of equipping farmers with the skills and resources they need, LPU has taken proactive steps to bridge the gap between academia and agriculture. This report highlights various events and initiatives conducted by LPU to empower local farmers and food producers with the knowledge and tools essential for sustainable and cost-effective farm production. This ensures that farmers can adopt modern practices without a significant financial burden.

LPU regularly hosts interactive sessions where farmers can engage with agricultural experts, and researchers. These meetings provide a platform for knowledge exchange, allowing farmers to seek solutions to their specific challenges and gain insights into sustainable farming practices. It is through these means that awareness is fostered regarding the adoption of new technologies,tools, machinery which, in turn, contributes significantly to the establishment of robust farming systems. These advancements not only aid farmers in optimizing their agricultural practices but also hold promise for fostering sustainable development and enhancing food security.

In pursuit of practical learning, Lovely Professional University (LPU) arranges field demonstrations on its agricultural research farms. During these sessions, farmers are offered the invaluable opportunity to personally witness the deployment of state-of-the-art agricultural technologies and methodologies. This hands-on experience empowers them to integrate similar practices into their own farming endeavors. In addition to technology, education, training, guidance, and access to crucial information play a pivotal role in shaping the knowledge base of farmers.

LPU actively collaborates with local farming communities, creating a synergy between academic research and real-world farming challenges by engaging seminar for the awareness of farming factor on basis of “Our Biodiversity, Our Food,Our health” These collaborations enable the development of region-specific solutions and the adoption of innovative approaches to address food security and sustainable agriculture. It proves to be an indispensable asset in the development, dissemination, and implementation of both established and emerging biological, chemical, and mechanical techniques. All these aspects are integral components of farm capital and other essential inputs. LPU has established a network to disseminate vital information to farmers, keeping them updated on the latest agricultural research findings, government schemes, and market trends. This information empowers farmers to make informed decisions regarding crop selection, planting techniques, and market strategies.

A meeting convened with the participation of farmers and a Multi-stakeholder Innovation Platform, focusing on the integration of Research, Extension, Farmers, and Market Linkages. The central objective of this meeting during this gathering is by aiming to bridge the gap between university research and its practicall application for the benefit of farmers to address the dual challenge of doubling farmers' income and ensuring nutritional security. The dialogue with local farmers centered on identifying crop varieties and agricultural practices conducive to doubling their income. Notably, attention was also given to maintaining or improving the nutritional content.

University has initiated the extension programmes for dissemination of farm-based information in collaboration with different. The focus of the workshop was the adoption of technologies that have the potential to contribute to sustainable farming systems. Technology adoption, however, is a broad concept.

It is affected by the development, dissemination and application at the farm level of existing and new biological, chemical and mechanical techniques, all of which are encompassed in farm capital and other inputs; it is also affected by education, training, advice and information which form the basis of farmers’ knowledge. In context to that local farmer from Village Hardaspur, District Kapurthala, were called and awareness was given on adaption of new technologies which helps in contribute to good farming systems. Uses of IOT for chemical sprays etc are the latest technology which helps for good yield in the farming.

Multi stakeholder Innovation Platform meeting on Research Extension- Farmer- Market Linkage The meeting was conducted with the farmers at Anaj mandi, Raipur Phrala by School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar on 23rd October, 2021. In the meeting, the innovative ideas were discussed for the research done in university and hence can be extended to farmers for their benefit.

The meeting was conducted with the farmers at Hardaspur, Phagwara, on 23rd December 2021 by School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar. The discussion was held with farmers upon the growth of crops which can help them in doubling their income. It was also taken care of that while doubling the income, the nutritional content of the crops should not be decreased and hence the nutritional security is to be maintained.

LPU’s School of Agriculture successfully held an event known as International Fruit Day that showed horticulture’s significance. Experts from various sectors as well as farmers were involved in this memorable day characterized by engaging activities such as fruit carving, a donation drive and a science fair among others. Through fun competitions, students gained valuable insights on agriculture including its various prospects and opportunities. The extensive media coverage of the event is a clear indication of LPU’s commitment to agricultural education and community outreach programs.