Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana is th e first agricultural institute in the country to initiate the concept of Kisan melas. This activity was started in 1967. These Melas are regularly held twice a year at Ludhiana in March and September. On this occasion, besides field demonstrations, exhibitions, sale of improved variety seeds and an agro-industrial exhibition is also put up and farm produce competitions are held. Now regional fairs are also held twice a year before the sowing of Rabi and Kharif crops. This is done to cater to the needs of the farmers of the sub-mountain zone (at Nag Kala (Amritsar), Gurdaspur), rainfed zone (At Ballowal Saunkhri, Distt. Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar), south-western zone (at Faridkot and Bathinda) and central plain zone (at Patiala). Kisan Melas at PAU campus attract around 0.1 million farmers every session. At the March Kisan Melas, two Chief Minister's Awards are given to the progressive farmers, one each in horticulture and agriculture. Each Award carries a cash prize of Rs. 25,000.