Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) is set to reap the benefits of an ambitious international outreach as its top leaders return from a strategic visit to key academic and research institutions across the United States. Spearheaded by Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of PAU, the delegation included Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research; Dr. Manav Indra Singh Gill, Dean of Post Graduate Studies; Dr. Manjeet Singh Makkar, Dean of the College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology; and Dr. Vishal Bector, Associate Director for Institutional Relations.
The delegation’s mission centered on establishing robust partnerships, integrating advanced agricultural technologies, and tackling the pressing challenges facing Punjab’s farming community. Their journey began at Ohio State University (OSU) in Columbus, where they engaged with Dr. Rattan Lal, a World Food Prize Laureate and esteemed PAU alumnus. Dr. Lal emphasized the critical importance of soil health, introducing PAU officials to the transformative concept of “living soil” which leverages biological diversity to enhance sustainable farming practices.
Joining them was Dr. Kaya Sahin, Vice Provost for Global Strategies and International Affairs at OSU, who highlighted opportunities for trilateral collaborations involving the U.S., India, and other nations. These collaborations aim to expand faculty and scholar exchange programs, fostering a rich exchange of knowledge and expertise.
The PAU team also interacted virtually with faculty from OSU’s Wooster Campus and toured the Trimble Technology Lab, witnessing firsthand the latest in automated farming operations and innovative internship programs supported by industry leaders.
Their next stop was Kansas State University (KSU) in Manhattan, where they explored the cutting-edge integration of artificial intelligence, sensors, and robotics in agriculture. Discussions with Dr. Ajay Sharda and Dr. Raj Khosla revealed how these technologies facilitate data-driven decision-making for farmers, a boon for Punjab’s significant wheat production mirroring Kansas’s agricultural prowess.
At KSU’s Bio-processing & Industrial Value Added Products Innovation Center, Dr. Sajid Alvi showcased technologies designed to add value to the food chain. Emphasizing the importance of global partnerships, KSU officials advocated for dual degree programs to enhance international knowledge exchange. Additionally, Dr. Gosal engaged with PAU alumni pursuing advanced degrees at KSU, strengthening the university’s global alumni network.
The delegation’s visit to California State University, Fresno provided further insights into sophisticated horticultural and agronomic practices. Touring almond and raisin fields, along with processing facilities, the team observed innovative methods in crop production, including mechanization, drip irrigation, water conservation, and advanced food processing technologies.
Interactions with Fresno’s leadership, including Dr. Xuanning Fu, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dean Scott Moore; and faculty members Dr. Gurreetpal Brar and Dr. Ranjit Riar, underscored the potential for collaborative projects that could revolutionize Punjab’s agricultural landscape.
A highlight of the tour was a community dinner with local Punjabi farmers and industry experts such as S. Charanjit Singh Batth, a renowned raisin producer, and community worker S. Garry Chahil. The event highlighted the immense potential for resource pooling and reinforced the importance of international cooperation to advance Punjab’s agricultural sector. World Food Prize Laureate Dr. Gurdev Singh Khush also lent his support, facilitating crucial dialogues between PAU and CSU Fresno representatives.
In Washington D.C., the PAU team engaged with influential figures including Ms. Gayatri Acharya from the World Bank’s Agriculture and Food Practice Group, Dr. Manjit Misra of the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Dr. Krystal Krejcik from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Dr. Sukwinder Singh from the USDA-ARS-Subtropical Horticulture Research Station in Miami. These discussions focused on collaborative efforts in climate-resilient agriculture, soil and water management, AI in farming, and data analytics.
The EPA highlighted strategies to combat soil lead contamination, while a special session organized by Dr. Ajay Kumar, Minister (Commerce) at the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C., facilitated deeper dialogue across various sectors. This reinforced the critical role of education, science, technology, and knowledge sharing in advancing agricultural sustainability.
Dr. Gosal remarked, “This tour has opened new avenues for PAU to engage in global research and technological innovation. The partnerships forged will significantly enhance our academic and research capabilities, ultimately benefiting Punjab’s farmers and contributing to the region’s economic growth.”
Punjab Agricultural University’s international collaborations are poised to drive forward its mission of agricultural excellence, ensuring sustainable practices and technological advancements that will sustain and elevate Punjab’s vital agricultural sector.
