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Award

Dr Manav Indra Singh Gill, Dean, Post Graduate Studies, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), has been conferred with the “IAHS-Girdhari Lal Chadha Award 2024” by the Indian Academy of Horticultural Society (IAHS), the oldest professional society of India established in 1942 and comprising 2,400 members, for his outstanding contributions to fruit science

The award, consisting of a Gold Medal and citation, was awarded to Dr Gill during the Inaugural Session of the National Conference on “Digital Technologies for Transforming the Horticulture Sector,” held at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi on January 28. The Girdhari Lal Chadha Award in Fruit Science was instituted in 1992 with a corpus money donated by Padma Shri Dr KL Chadha, former Deputy Director General (Horticulture), ICAR in Fruit Science Research and Development (R&D).

The inaugural session was graced by the agricultural stalwarts including Prof Ramesh Chand, member of NITI Aayog, New Delhi; Dr T Mohapatra, former Director General, ICAR and Chairperson PPV&FRA; Dr SK Singh, Deputy Director General (Horticulture), ICAR; and Dr Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary DA&FW, Government of India, New Delhi.

Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU; and Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research, congratulated Dr Gill for winning this prestigious award and making significant contributions as well as displaying leadership in R&D in fruit science.

Dr Manav Indra Singh Gill, Dean, Post

Agro Universities, Environment, India, R&D, Sustainability, Sustainable Energy

PAU’s Department of Renewable Energy Engineering has achieved the landmark of 51 commercialisation agreements for various biogas related technologies till date.

Providing relevant solutions to address energy security issues, the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) signed an agreement for Paddy Straw based Biogas Plant with Atmos Power Private Limited, a company hailing from Gujarat. Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, PAU, signed the MoA with the representative of the company. Dr Mahesh Kumar, Additional Director of Research (Agricultural Engineer); Dr Manjeet Singh, Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology; and Dr Khushdeep Dharni, Associate Director of Technology Marketing and IPR Cell, were also present at the MoA signing ceremony.

Dr Dharni stated that PAU was disseminating its technologies to the masses through technology transfer agreements with various companies and entrepreneurs. He added that PAU developed Paddy Straw based Biogas Technology was popular throughout the country, he said.

Dr Sooch said that paddy straw could be digested by anaerobic means for the production of biogas as a fuel for the kitchen as well as for power generation. The latest method of anaerobic digestion, i.e., dry fermentation of organic wastes could be carried out with little labour and produced biogas for a period of three months. The digested material from such anaerobic digestion was quality manure ready for use in fields, he added.

Dr Dhatt congratulated Dr Sarbjit Singh Sooch, Head-cum-Principal Scientist, Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, for achieving the landmark of 51 commercialization agreements for various biogas related technologies.

PAU’s Department of Renewable Energy Engineering has

Agribusiness, Company News, Drones, India, Start ups

The company also provides dedicated RPC training, ensuring that farmers are equipped with the skills necessary to make the most of this technology.

IoTechWorld Avigation, a leader in agri-drone technology, successfully exhibited its innovative Agribot drone at the prestigious Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana. The event, which attracted a crowd of over 1.5 lakh attendees, generated tremendous interest in the company’s advanced agricultural solutions.

The Agribot drone, designed for precision agriculture, was the centrepiece of IoTechWorld’s booth, capturing the attention of both farmers and industry professionals. Throughout the day, the team demonstrated the ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and versatility of the drone, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize the Indian agricultural landscape. 

IoTechWorld Avigation’s innovative agri-drones are built to address the unique challenges of Indian farmers, offering a cost-effective solution with up to lower 6 per cent interest rates, swift processing, and attractive financing options through AIF. The company also offers dedicated RPC training, ensuring that farmers are equipped with the skills necessary to make the most of this technology. IoTechworld has a strategic alliance with KS Agrotech Private Limited as a distribution partner.

The company also provides dedicated RPC training,

Agro Universities, Agrotech, Finance, Funding, India

Technologies such as sensor-based irrigation, automated weather stations, drone applications, and machine learning-based decision support systems will be showcased on the new demo farm.

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has secured a grant of Rs 1.25 crore from Punjab & Sind Bank (PSB) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of a ‘Digital Technology Park’ was signed in the presence of Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, PAU Vice-Chancellor, and Swarup Kumar Saha, MD and CEO of PSB. The initiative under the project titled “Futuristic Farming: Demonstrating Cutting-Edge Agri-Techniques for Resource Conservation,” is a major step forward in advancing agricultural practices through innovation.

Discussing PAU’s evolution, Dr S.S. Gosal emphasized the university’s regional impact. About the pact, he affirmed, “This initiative marks a significant step in our mission to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability. By integrating precision farming technologies, we aim to conserve essential resources and reduce environmental impacts. Our collaboration with Punjab & Sind Bank reflects the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing agriculture.” Technologies such as sensor-based irrigation, automated weather stations, drone applications, and machine learning-based decision support systems will be showcased on the new demo farm, he added.

S.K. Saha lauded Punjab Agricultural University for shaping the nation’s agricultural landscape and inspiring farmers to embrace technology-driven innovations. He expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that it mirrors Punjab & Sind Bank’s commitment to sustainable agricultural development. Saha emphasized that the bank’s investment aims to enhance both farmers’ welfare and environmental conservation. He believed the innovative techniques being implemented would set a new standard for agriculture in India and beyond. Mr. Chaman Lal Shienhmar, PSB’s Field General Manager, Chandigarh, called the initiative a way of giving back to the region’s farmers.

Dr. S.S. Chahal and Dr. N.S. Malhi commended the innovative project, mentioning that it would align agricultural education with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). They remarked that the project’s comprehensive approach and advanced technologies would create a paradigm shift in agricultural practices. Dr. M.I.S. Gill, PAU Registrar, observed that integrating cutting-edge technologies in farming goes beyond immediate benefits. He opined that the project would serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges, demonstrating the potential of technology to transform agriculture sustainably.

Dr Ajmer Singh Brar, the PAU scientist who prepared the proposal, spotlighted the practical benefits of these technologies. A decision support system integrating machine learning algorithms will further enhance the project’s impact. The data and recommendations regarding sensor-based automated irrigation will be accessible to farmers through a cloud-based application, empowering them to make informed choices and improve productivity.

The collaboration between PAU and PSB signifies a shared vision of a sustainable and prosperous agricultural future. The event was coordinated by Dr Vishal Bector, Associate Director (Institution Relations), PAU.

Technologies such as sensor-based irrigation, automated weather

Agro Universities, Agrotech, R&D

The innovative spray machine, categorized under class 15-03, is engineered to boost efficiency and productivity in agricultural practices, marking a significant advancement in the sector.

MasterBrain Agro Industries Pvt Ltd, a notable startup incubated by the Punjab Agri Business Incubator (PABI) at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), has made remarkable progress in agricultural innovation. The company recently registered its groundbreaking agriculture spray machine design under design number 410796-001. This innovative spray machine, categorized under class 15-03, is engineered to boost efficiency and productivity in agricultural practices, marking a significant advancement in the sector. MasterBrain Agro’s achievement underscores its dedication to leveraging technology to overcome farmers’ challenges.

PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr S S Gosal lauded the startup’s accomplishment, stating, “MasterBrain Agro Industries’ innovative approach to solving agricultural issues is commendable. Their new spray machine design will undoubtedly enhance farming practices, greatly benefiting our farmers.”

Dr. TS Riar, Principal Investigator at PABI, also expressed his admiration for the team’s dedication. “The registration of this new design highlights the ingenuity and perseverance of the MasterBrain Agro team. Their commitment to innovation and excellence in agriculture is inspiring. This milestone also reflects the effective support and mentorship provided by PABI, and I am proud of our team’s efforts in nurturing such promising startups.”

Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Poonam Sachdev added, “MasterBrain Agro Industries has set a high standard with their new spray machine design. It demonstrates their ability to create practical and impactful solutions for the agricultural sector. We are excited to see the positive impact this innovation will have on the farming community.”

Dr Riar emphasized the support provided by PABI, adding, “At PABI, our goal is to empower startups to reach their full potential. The success of MasterBrain Agro Industries is a shining example of what can be achieved with the right guidance and resources. “

The innovative spray machine, categorized under class

Agro Universities, Agrotech, Bamboo industry, R&D, Sugar industry

The novel apparatus complements bud chip technology for sugarcane propagation under direct planting and nursery raising methods

A patent for sugarcane bud chipping apparatus has been granted to the Punjab Agricultural University for its novel bud chipping technology for sugarcane, bamboo, etc. developed by Dr Jasvir Singh Gill, Assistant Agronomist, Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, PAU. The university filed a patent for this innovation in 2014. This novel apparatus complements bud chip technology for sugarcane propagation under direct planting and nursery raising methods, potentially reducing the sugarcane seed rate requirement by 98 per cent.

Sarvjit Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Punjab and Vice-Chancellor, PAU; Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research; Dr Ashok Kumar, Director of Extension Education; Dr GS Mangat, Additional Director of Research (Crop Improvement); Dr Gursahib Singh, Additional Director of Research (Farm Mechanization and Bioenergy); Dr PPS Pannu, Additional Director of Research (Natural Resources and Plant Health Management); Dr MS Bhullar, Head, Department of Agronomy and Dr Mahesh Narang, Head, Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering congratulated the inventor Mr Jasvir Singh Gill for getting the patent which is a testimony to his dedication and hard work.

The novel apparatus complements bud chip technology

Agri Genomics, Agro Universities, Agrotech

The workshop was held in association with National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute and Mohali and Biotech Consortium India

The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) recently organised a workshop on ‘Genome Editing in Agriculture: Science, Potential and Policies’ in association with National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali and Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL), New Delhi. The goal of the workshop was to highlight the application of innovative technologies like genome editing in the crop breeding programmes and also to create awareness among the key stakeholders viz. scientists, students, agriculture officials and industry about the technology and its potential. Around 400 active participants including scientists, students, and research fellows from PAU and nearby institutions attended the workshop and listened to learned speakers very attentively.

At the inaugural session, Dr Parveen Chhuneja, Director, School of Agricultural Biotechnology, PAU welcomed all the dignitaries and the participants. Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, highlighted the need for innovative solutions to meet the challenges being faced by agriculture. Dr Vibha Ahuja, Chief General Manager, Biotech Consortium India Limited, presented a brief overview of the workshop.

In his keynote address, Prof Ashwani Pareek, Executive Director, NABI, Mohali, pointed out the need for technological innovation. Dr Shammi Kapoor, Registrar and Dr Gurjit S Mangat, Additional Director of Research, Crop Improvement-cum-Director GS Khush Institute of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, PAU also participated in the workshop. Experts from different institutes highlighted the advancements, potential and applications of Genome Editing in two technical sessions.

Dr Navtej Singh Bains, former Director of Research, PAU, delivered an informative talk on potential applications of gene editing in the breeding field, and vegetable and fruit crops. Dr Naveen Singh Bisht explained the manipulation of mustard oil through the editing of glucosinolates in Indian oilseed mustard.

Dr Baljinder Singh Nandra from the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) provided a glimpse of the national and international status of gene-edited plants and the importance of strong linkage between scientists and industry partners.

Dr Vibha Ahuja, Chief GM, Biotech Consortium India Limited, discussed the Government of India’s policies and procedures for the approval of genome-edited crops. Scientists from NABI presented their work on increasing β-carotene content in banana and iron (Fe) content in wheat grains. Scientists from PAU, Ludhiana presented their research on starch resistance wheat and potato, increasing the tomato shelf-life, reducing the acrylamide content in wheat and potato, haploid induction, and biofuel production in sugarcane through genome editing.

Later, an interactive session was held between researchers and speakers about the future of genome editing in crop improvement.

The workshop was held in association with

Agro chems – Pesticides, Agro Universities, Foodgrains

The variety resists the attack of all the 10 presently prevalent pathotypes of bacterial blight pathogen in the state

The State Variety Approval Committee in Punjab has approved ‘PR 130’ variety of parmal rice for cultivation in the state. The Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana has developed ‘PR 130’ variety of rice by crossing the most popular variety PR 121 with HKR 47.

Highlighting its salient characteristics, Dr Gurjit Singh Mangat, Additional Director of Research (Crop Improvement), said, “It is a mid-maturing, lodging tolerant, bacterial blight resistant variety with better milling quality characteristics. It matures in about 105 days after transplanting. It possesses long slender clear translucent grains with high total and head rice recoveries. The variety resists the attack of all the 10 presently prevalent pathotypes of bacterial blight pathogen in Punjab. The average paddy yield of this variety is 30.0 quintals per acre.”

This variety will prove very beneficial to the pea and potato growers on account of its higher paddy yield, shorter maturity period and disease resistance and the traders due to its excellent milling quality characteristics, he observed. The PAU has produced a large quantity of seeds of this variety, which is available at its Research Stations; Seed Farms located at Ladhowal, Naraingarh (Fatehgarh Sahib), Nabha and Kapurthala; Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Farmer Advisory Service Centres of PAU, he informed.

Dr Mangat further stated that those farmers who were growing PR 121 and HKR 47 should opt for PR 130 variety. The ideal time for nursery sowing of PR 130 is May 20 to May 31.

The variety resists the attack of all

Agro Universities, Animal Health, R&D

Dr Devinder Kaur Kocher will work on the project titled ‘Evaluation of yeast-encapsulated essential oil-based biolarvicide formulation(s) for management of Aedes aegypti mosquito’ 

Dr Devinder Kaur Kocher, Professor, Department of Zoology, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), has been awarded a competitive ad-hoc research project worth Rs 25 lakh, as Principal Investigator (PI) by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India under the DST SERB-POWER grant. The title of the project is ‘Evaluation of yeast-encapsulated essential oil based biolarvicide formulation(s) for management of Aedes aegypti mosquito.’ 

Dr GS Kocher, Principal Microbiologist and Head, Department of Microbiology, is the Co-PI of this project. The PI of the project Dr DK Kocher is already conducting a research on the non-chemical and eco-safe methods for the control of mosquito larvae and she was also granted a DST sponsored project on the biological control of mosquitoes in 2013.

Dr Neena Singla, Principal Zoologist (Rodents) and Head, Department of Zoology while congratulating Dr Kocher mentioned that work is going on in Zoology Department on various other important aspects including rodent control, bird management and impact of environmental pollution on animal and human health, she added.

Dr Shammi Kapoor, Registrar-cum-Dean, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities; Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research and Dr TS Riar, Additional Director Communication, PAU congratulated Dr Kocher for this achievement and wished her all success in her future endeavours.

Dr Devinder Kaur Kocher will work on

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, Agrotech, Horticulture, Poultry

The Governor of Kenya Khaemba hailed the evolution of PAU and its significant role in improving the agri-assets

A three-member delegation comprising Patrick Khaemba, Governor of Kenya; Lydia Seroney, wife of Khaemba; and Mary Nzomo, Minister of Agriculture, Kenya visited Punjab Agricultural University (Pday to deliberate upon mutual areas of cooperation. The visiting delegation interacted with the senior officials of PAU, deans of constituent colleges, additional directors of research and extension education, and heads of various departments of the university. The delegation was accompanied by Dr Parvinder Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Rayat Bahra University, Punjab and GS Bahra.

Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research, while giving a presentation on PAU and Green Revolution said, “Having outstanding human resources and exemplary linkage with the farming community, the university has played a remarkable role in the development of agriculture in Punjab as well as India.”

“Presently, the focus is on developing varieties for enhancing crop productivity and quality, having tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, conservation of soil and water, and crop residue management,” he added. Dr Dhatt suggested collaborating in the areas of field crops (wheat, rice, maize, cotton and sugarcane), horticulture, food technology, apiculture, agro-forestry, water use efficiency and farm machinery.

The Governor of Kenya Khaemba hailed the evolution of PAU and its significant role in improving the agri-assets. Stating that Kenya was good at developing poultry, he said, “It is turning about democracy and people.”

Appreciating the close linkage of PAU with farmers of Punjab, he remarked: “We need to think of farmers and how to motivate them to take up new technologies.”

“Kenya would like to assist PAU in agricultural issues being faced in Punjab. We should jointly work in those areas which are following the governmental rules of both the nations,” said the Governor.

The Agriculture Minister of Kenya Nzomo said that Punjab and Kenyan agriculture had many similarities. “Both being rice-wheat producers, we would like to focus on food and nutrition as well as food diversification such as cereals and pulses,” she stated while evincing interest in the area of extension also and lauding PAU’s skill development training.

The Governor of Kenya Khaemba hailed the

Agro Universities, Seeds, Start ups

The last date for the receipt of the application is May 31, 2022

The Punjab Agri Business Incubator (PABI), Directorate of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), has invited applications for Cohort IV of Uddam (pre-seed) and Udaan (seed) from the agripreneurs/agristartups of Punjab and its neighbouring states (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, and Jammu and Kashmir).

Giving details, Dr TS Riar, Principal Investigator, said that the last date for the receipt of the application is May 31, 2022. Applicants can apply online or offline. The application form and other related information can be downloaded from www.paupabiraftaar.co.in, he informed. Dr Riar said that PABI has produced several entrepreneurs (male and female), who are running their agri-businesses successfully in Punjab after acquiring training from PAU’s Skill Development Centre and availing facilities being offered under PABI. The training will help in becoming the youth financially independent, he added.

The last date for the receipt of

Agro Universities, R&D

The first instalment of Rs 40 lakh has been given for the procurement of equipment

The Department of Food Science and Technology, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), has been granted an amount of Rs 58 lakh, under the scheme ‘Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST)’ funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi, to strengthen the research facilities in the Department of Food Science and Technology, PAU.

Dr Poonam A Sachdev, Principal Food Technologist (Vegetable) informed that they have received the first instalment of Rs 40 lakh for the procurement of equipment.

The first instalment of Rs 40 lakh

Agro Universities, Agrotech, Seeds

The two firms are Dhanjal Agriculture Industries, Ludhiana and Punjab Engineering Works, Ferozepur, Punjab

A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on tractor operated PAU Smart Seeder was signed between Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and two firms namely Dhanjal Agriculture Industries (regd.) Ludhiana and Punjab Engineering Works (regd.), Ferozepur, Punjab.

Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research; Dr Ashok Kumar, Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology and Director of Extension Education; Dr Gursahib Singh Manes, Additional Director of Research (Farm Mechanization and Bioenergy) congratulated Dr Rajesh Goyal, Scientist and Dr Manpreet Singh, Extension Scientist, for the commercialisation of the technology.

The Head of the Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Dr Mahesh Kumar Narang said that this machine will help in managing paddy straw management as it has advantages of Super Seeder and Happy Seeder technology.

“PAU Smart Seeder manages the paddy residues by incorporation and surface mulching and thus, smartly retains the benefits of both Happy Seeder and Super Seeder in a single machine. PAU Smart Seeder places wheat seeds in a well-tilled narrow band of soil and covers the seed rows with soil, using furrow closing rollers. This machine can be operated with 45 to 50 hp tractor. The field capacity and fuel consumption of the machine is 0.4 ha/hour and 5.5 litre/acre, respectively,” he added.

In 2021, PAU in collaboration with its industry partners worked to stop paddy straw burning under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project initiatives and large-scale demonstrations/popularization of Smart Seeder were conducted on around 200 ha of area.

Dr Usha Nara, Plant Breeder, Technology Marketing and IPR cell, PAU informed that the university has signed 285 MoAs to date with different companies/firms/individuals. She also said that seven MoAs have been signed for this technology.

The two firms are Dhanjal Agriculture Industries,

Agro Universities, Foodgrains

The varieties include rice, cotton, maize, sorghum and bajra

The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has developed and recommended eight new varieties of rice, cotton, maize, mash and fodder for general cultivation in Punjab. These include PR 131 and PR 130 of rice, PAU Bt 2 and PAU Bt 3 of cotton, Punjab Baby Corn 1 of maize, Mash 883 of mash, SL 45 of fodder (sorghum) and PCB 166 of fodder (bajra). The varieties were approved after thorough discussion during the State Variety Approval Committee meeting for field crops, held under the chairmanship of Dr Gurvinder Singh, Director of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Punjab. Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research and Dr Ashok Kumar, Director of Extension Education, PAU, also attended the meeting.

PR 131 (on adhoc basis) of rice is a high yielding, medium maturing and lodging tolerant variety. PR 130 of rice is a high yielding, mid-early and lodging tolerant variety. PAU Bt 2 is a Bt cotton variety developed by the public sector with inbuilt resistance against spotted and American bollworms. PAU Bt 3 is also a Bt cotton variety developed by the public sector with inbuilt resistance against spotted and American bollworms. Punjab Baby Corn 1 of maize is a single cross hybrid that is male sterile, having medium-tall plants. Mash 883 of mash has been recommended for the whole of Punjab state. Its plants are dwarf, erect and compact with determinate growth habits. SL 45 of sorghum is a single cut late maturing variety having tall (297cm) plants with long and broad leaves. Its stem is juicy and sweet. PCB 166 of bajra is a dual purpose composite variety with more number of tillers. 

The varieties include rice, cotton, maize, sorghum