CIMMYT delegation explores collaborative avenues with PAU for Agricultural Advancement

Ludhiana, February 26, 2024: A high-profile delegation from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Mexico, recently engaged in extensive discussions with Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, exploring potential areas for collaborative ventures to enhance agricultural practices and innovations.

The CIMMYT delegation, led by Dr. Kevin Pixley, Global Wheat Program Director, included key members such as Dr. Arun K. Joshi, BISA Managing Director and CIMMYT Country Representative for India and South Asia; Dr. Velu Govindan, Senior Scientist in the Global Wheat Program; Dr. Keith Gardner, Quantitative Geneticist; Dr. Sridhar Bhavani, Head of Wheat Rust Pathology and Molecular Genetics in the Global Wheat Program; and Dr. Pradeep Kumar Bhati, Associate Breeder at BISA, Ludhiana.

The discussions centered on potential collaborations in advancing agricultural research and development. Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal highlighted the ongoing efforts in Punjab to transition from conventional agriculture to agribusiness, shedding light on various allied streams such as mushroom production, poultry, and fisheries.

Dr. Gosal emphasized the Integrated Farming System developed by PAU, describing it as an economically viable model that integrates crops, livestock, aquaculture, agro-forestry, and agri-horticulture. This holistic approach aims to ensure sustainability, profitability, balanced food availability, and employment generation.

Providing insights into PAU's innovative surface seeding technology, Dr. Gosal explained its benefits, including quick wheat germination, protection against heat stress, eco-friendly paddy residue management, and water conservation.

The Vice-Chancellor identified key areas of interest for PAU, including studies on root traits, heat tolerance, and photosynthetic efficiency of wheat crops during dimly-lit winters. Dr. Gosal believes that delving into these aspects could offer new perspectives for scientists and contribute significantly to agricultural advancements.

In response, the CIMMYT delegation expressed enthusiasm for collaboration, affirming that their expertise aligns with the identified areas of interest. The delegates acknowledged the potential for mutual learning and progress in these domains.

Prior to the discussions, Dr. Achla Sharma, Principal Wheat Breeder at PAU, provided the delegates with a comprehensive tour of the wheat section, showcasing CIMMYT nurseries and fostering a deeper understanding of the collaborative opportunities in wheat research.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties expressing optimism about future collaborations that could contribute significantly to the advancement of agricultural practices and sustainable food production in the region.