Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana came alive yesterday as policymakers, scientists and senior government officials gathered for a pioneering Technology Demonstration titled “Application of Agriculture Technology to Rural Sector for Employment Generation.” The event underscored PAU’s commitment to translating cutting-edge research into viable rural enterprises and offered a roadmap for boosting both farm productivity and local job creation.
Inaugurating the proceedings, S. Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Punjab’s Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, hailed PAU as “the cornerstone of our state’s agrarian success.” He called for an intensified partnership between the Agriculture Department and the university, stressing that “research must empower our smallest farmers with dignified, sustainable livelihoods.” The Minister urged a broader view of agriculture, one that leverages allied industries such as food processing, dairy and packaging to diversify incomes and reduce reliance on traditional crop cycles. “Thanks to PAU’s Agro-Processing Complex,” he noted, “we can now convert perishable produce into export-grade commodities, creating new markets and new jobs.”
Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia praised PAU’s structured approach to turning laboratory breakthroughs into field-ready solutions. He highlighted the role of university-industry incubators, public-private partnerships and village-level outreach in scaling innovations that benefit smallholders. “Bridging the gap from bench to field is essential,” he said, “and PAU is showing us how.”
Chief Secretary K. A. P. Sinha addressed the gathering on the imperative of digital transformation in agriculture. “Precision farming, data analytics and modern supply-chain tools aren’t optional extras anymore—they’re central to enhancing yields and creating youth-oriented job opportunities,” he remarked. Sinha urged all stakeholders to forge robust academic, corporate and government linkages, ensuring that new technologies remain affordable and accessible. He also warned against environmental challenges such as stubble burning, calling for collective action to protect Punjab’s air and soil.
PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, who welcomed the dignitaries, described the day’s showcase as “a confluence of science, strategy and social commitment.” Detailing the university’s extensive facilities, he pointed to the Speed Breeding Unit and Tissue Culture Lab as critical to developing climate-resilient seed varieties. In the Food Incubation Centre, participants observed vacuum packaging machines and pulse mills that enable small-scale processors to add value on-site. A visit to the new Jaggery Processing Unit demonstrated how traditional sugarcane harvests can be transformed into premium, market-ready products, turning a seasonal crop into a year-round livelihood.
Dr. Gosal emphasized that integrated value-chain models not only slash post-harvest losses but also amplify farmer earnings. “With the Punjab government’s ongoing support,” he added, “we can replicate these models across every district, igniting rural employment on a much larger scale.”
The program also featured an overview of PAU’s educational initiatives and skill-development courses, moderated by Dr. Vishal Bector, Associate Director of Institutional Relations. Senior officers from the state’s agriculture, food processing, rural development and horticulture departments exchanged ideas with visiting directors from ICAR-institutes and related universities. Among them were Dr. J.P.S. Gill of GADVASU, Dr. Nachiket Kotwaliwale of ICAR-CIPHET, and Dr. Parvender Sheoran of ICAR-ATARI.
As the day drew to a close, guests were felicitated with shawls and mementos, their collective resolve unwavering: to transform rural Punjab into a vibrant ecosystem of innovation, employment and environmental stewardship. The demonstration left no doubt that PAU’s blueprint for marrying technology with traditional agriculture can serve as a model—not only for Punjab, but for farming regions across India.
