AI Generated Summary
- The All India Network Project on Agricultural Acarology (AINP) at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has been honoured with the “Second Best Research Centre Award” by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi.
- Commending the achievement, PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal lauded the Department of Entomology, saying,“This award is a testament to PAU’s commitment to scientific excellence and sustainable agriculture.
- This is the first time such an award has been instituted since the inception of the project, making the achievement even more noteworthy.
The All India Network Project on Agricultural Acarology (AINP) at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has been honoured with the “Second Best Research Centre Award” by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi. Among nine centres across the country, PAU emerged as one of the top performers, marking a significant milestone in agricultural research.
The award, presented during the annual ICAR-AINP group meeting held at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, on July 3-4, recognised PAU’s exceptional contributions to acarological research. This is the first time such an award has been instituted since the inception of the project, making the achievement even more noteworthy.
Excellence in Sustainable Pest Management
The PAU centre has been at the forefront of developing eco-friendly mite management strategies for vegetable crops and monitoring emerging mite pests across Punjab and neighbouring states. It has also played a crucial role in training farmers, equipping them with scientific knowledge to combat pest-related challenges in a sustainable manner.
Leaders Congratulate the Team
Commending the achievement, PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal lauded the Department of Entomology, saying,
“This award is a testament to PAU’s commitment to scientific excellence and sustainable agriculture. The acarology team’s innovative work is shaping resilient farming practices for the future, and we are proud of their achievements.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Director of Research Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt and Director of Extension Education stressed the importance of practical applications of research. “At PAU, we believe in research that reaches the field. This recognition underscores our commitment to transforming laboratory innovations into real-world agricultural solutions,” they said.
Teamwork Behind the Success
The project is spearheaded by Dr Manmeet Brar Bhullar, Principal Acarologist–cum–Head of the Department of Entomology, with Dr Paramjit Kaur serving as Co-Principal Investigator. Dr Bhullar attributed the success to the unwavering support from PAU leadership and guidance from ICAR-AINP, highlighting the collaborative effort that led to this national recognition.
This accolade not only strengthens PAU’s reputation as a leader in agricultural research but also reaffirms its role in promoting sustainable, farmer-friendly pest management practices across India.
