Crop intensification and liberal use of agricultural inputs resulted in complex field problems. Soil health started deteriorating with multiple micronutrient deficiencies appearing in crops. There has been an increased in the incidence of diseases and insect-pests and also development of resistance to pesticides alongwith resurgence of insects and diseases. Keeping in view the need of the Punjab farmers, the Agricultural University Ludhiana started a Plant health Clinic later named as Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC).

Situation of Plant Clinic Agricultural University is situated on the Ludhiana - Ferozepur road and is about five and seven kilometers from bus stand and Railway station, respectively. Mini bus service and autorickshaws are plying regularly. Farmers have an easy access to ATIC (Farmers Service Centre) as it is few yards from the University gate number 1. This centre is working under the direct control of Director of Extension Education where scientists provide regular technical services to the visiting farmers.

Sale of Technological products Seed Shop has been set-up at Gate No 1 to cater to the needs of seed requirements of the farmers. University is selling truthfully labelled and foundations seeds of high yielding crop varieties. Besides, small vegetable kits for kitchen gardening are also available at seed shop. Bio fertilizers(including Rhizobium, phosphorous solublising bacteria etc are also available PAU Gate No 1.

Information (Farm Literature) The communication centre has opened up a special book shop for the sale of farm literature for the benefit of farmers at Gate No 1. The monthly magazines such as Progressive Farming (English), Changi Kheti (Punjabi), package of practices in respect of kharif and rabi crops, vegetables and fruit crops, animal Science, crop calender, University Diary and many other important publications are sold to the farmers from this book shop.

University Publications Information

a. Technical Guidance Apart from the seed, farmers are given technical know-how for the cultivation of crops. The technical knowledge imparted at appropriate time to the farmers saves them from incoming problems and make the clients fully equipped with to solve field problems. To render necessary guidance to the farmers, the services of competent scientists hailing from Agronomy, Soil Science, Entomology and Plant Pathology disciplines have been requisitioned. At this centre, every year more than 9000 farmers are getting regular guidance for redressal of their problems related to agriculture. The service to the farmers is rendered free of cost.

b. Diagnosis of crop disorders The team of experts is available for the identification of crop disorders in plant samples brought by farmers pertaining to insect pests, diseases, phytotoxicity, nutrient deficiencies and weeds. Farmers are advised based on correct diagonsis of malady. To identify complex problems, scientists of ATIC also visit the field for on the spot diagonosis of crop disorders.

c. Services through Telephone / post /news paper Help line telephone 0161-401960 – 417 has been provided for the benefit for farmers. This facility has got good response from the farmers. The link established between scientists and the farmers is responsible for quick redressal of field problems quickly on telephone particularly during the period of outbreak of pest or disease. Besides, many farmers are getting package of crop cultivation through post as well. During the disease epidemic remedial measures through press media are made available to farmers quickly. This practice is proving as a boon to farmer community of the state during the outbreak of pests and disease. These activities provided good relief to the farmers in the past and saved crops from the attack of pests and diseases.

d. Training to students and extension functionaries Training in the diagnosis of crop disorders is provided to students through practical courses offered at ATIC. Besides, trainees of various training courses are also imparted trainings in the diagnosis of crop disorders at this centre.