Foreign delegates engage in exclusive dialogue with PAU VC on agricultural innovation and collaboration

Ludhiana, November 14, 2024: Ten international delegates participating in the International Conference on "Transforming Agrifood Systems in the Face of Climate Changes and Energy Transitions" held an exclusive meeting with Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), in the university’s committee room. This separate interaction focused on exploring PAU’s innovative research, institutional collaborations, and its role in addressing critical agricultural challenges.

During the discussion, Dr. Gosal briefed the visitors on PAU’s ongoing research strides in protection and processing technologies and unique approaches to technology transfer. He highlighted PAU’s top-ranked position in India’s National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024) and its pivotal role in the Green Revolution. He outlined pressing agricultural issues, such as climate change, groundwater depletion, and soil health decline, that PAU is tackling through environmentally responsible technologies. Dr. Gosal also emphasized PAU’s openness to international collaboration in cutting-edge areas like climate-resilient crops, genome editing, precision farming, conservation agriculture, AI, and IoT.

Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research at PAU, provided an overview of the university’s achievements in crop improvement, soil reclamation, mechanization, and value chain advancements. Dr. Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, discussed PAU’s extensive outreach programs, which include a network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Farm Advisory Service Centers (FASCs) that deliver technical support to farmers and state departments. He noted that PAU’s outreach efforts are amplified through regular Kisan Melas, as well as print, electronic, and social media.

Dr. Manav Indra Singh Gill, Dean of Postgraduate Studies, elaborated on PAU’s high academic standards across five constituent colleges, where curricula are continuously updated to align with evolving research and educational needs. Dr. Ashok K. Dhawan, President of the Indian Ecological Society at PAU, gave insight into the university’s state-of-the-art research facilities, including specialized laboratories.

The international delegates expressed appreciation for the insights provided, sharing positive impressions of PAU’s contributions to sustainable agriculture. Dr. Vishal Bector, Associate Director of Institution Relations, moderated the interaction, remarking that Punjab’s focus on collaborative growth and bilateral relations is setting a progressive path for regional and international partnerships.