SENIOR RUSSIAN SCIENTIST VISITS PAU; DISCUSSES USES OF ATOMIC POWER IN AGRICULTURE

Ludhiana, December 1, 2017: Dr (Ms) Elena Igorevna Sarapultseva, Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Obninsk Institute of Nuclear Power Engineering, National Research Nuclear University (Russia)was in the university yesterday to deliver a lecture on, ‘Non Energy Application of Atomic Power in Agriculture’, under the aegis of NAAS Ludhiana Chapter. While addressing a huge gathering of faculty and students at Pal Auditorium, Dr Sarapultseva discussed at length about radioactivity and impact of various sources of radiation around us. She explained the application of nuclear sources in agriculture and food industry, growth and development of seeds, delay in fruit and vegetable ripening and shelf life extension as well as its uses in pest control. Various applications of nuclear power in health care especially in diagnosis and treatment were also revealed by the scientist. Dr Sarapultseva was accompanied by Mr Yuriy Lysenko, Diplomat at Russian Embassy, New Delhi.

Earlier during the day, the delegates were accorded a cordial welcome by the PAU Vice Chancellor, Dr B.S. Dhillon in his committee room. Senior University officers, Dr R.S. Sidhu, Registrar, Dr N.S. Bains, Director Research, Dr Ashok Kumar, Director Extension, Deans and Heads of Departments shared their personal experiences vis a vis India’s historical relationship with the erstwhile Soviet Union starting right from the cold war till the present time. Dr Dhillon gave a brief about the university structure and mandate. Discussions to have a formal MoU for mutual exchange of students and faculty were also held. The guests also paid a visit to the Uppal Museum, Soil Museum, Crofp Museum, School o Biotechnology, Soil Powered Drip Irrigation, Mushroom Production, Bee Farm and Museum of Social History.