A TRIBUTE TO DR JAGTAR SINGH BAL
With sadness, I wanted to let you know of the tragic passing of our former Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) colleague, Dr Jagtar Singh Bal on January 12, 2023. Bal came to PAU after completing B.Sc. Agri from Khalsa College Amritsar. He served PAU for about three decades, retiring as Professor of Horticulture. At the time of his death, he was working as Agriculture Dean, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University.
Bal encouraged youth from farming families to diversify their incomes beyond cultivation of rice and wheat and low-paid jobs. One example from a case study by the Third World Centre for Water Management, Mexico.
Referred by Jagtar Singh’s relative inspector in Punjab police, constable Jagdeep Singh from Assal village met Bal around 2000. He narrated his difficulties in surviving with a monthly salary of Rs 4,500. On learning that Jagdeep owned 18 acres of land, Bal advised him “You are young and can work hard. Take risk, resign, and start full-time farming. You would be a success in 10 years.”
Jagdeep Singh joined ‘Young Farmer Course’ at PAU. Bal arranged his meetings with subject matter specialists. Jagdeep resigned, became a full-time farmer, and eventually an agri-preneur. This was his tribute to Dr Jagtar Singh Bal in 2010 “His words inspired me. Today, I realize how prophetic his words were. Currently my batch-mate constables in the police are getting a salary of Rs 18,000 per month (in 2010). I have 13 employees, each receiving a salary of Rs 5,000 per month. We grow potato, wheat, chilli, garlic, peas, and fodder on 88 acres. And a big dairy farm supplying 1100 kg milk per day to Nestle: all in a span of 10 years”.
Bal was offered the position of Director of Horticulture Punjab but preferred continuing as a PAU professor.
Bal’s research was on Ber (jujuba) fruit. He initiated action to protect more than four centuries old sacred Baba Budha Jee Ber Tree in Sri Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple Complex) Amritsar, sacred place for the Sikhs.
Gentle and unassuming, Dr Jagtar Singh Bal will be sadly missed. I join his friends, colleagues, students and admirers in conveying our condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family.
