PAU scientist awarded CSIR associateship for wheat nutrition research

In a development that holds promise for India’s nutritional future, Dr Abhishek Pandey, a research fellow at the School of Agricultural Biotechnology (SOAB), Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), has been granted the prestigious research associateship (RA) by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India.

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The three-year associateship will fund Dr Pandey’s advanced genetic research on improving wheat’s protein content—an effort aligned with national food fortification goals and growing concerns around hidden hunger. His project, “Enhancing Grain Protein Content in Wheat to Combat Malnutrition: Exploring Triticum dicoccoides for Novel Alleles and Candidate Genes,” seeks to unlock native nutritional potential through state-of-the-art molecular tools.

Dr Pandey, has completed his doctorate from the PAU’s Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics. Guided by mentor Dr Satinder Kaur, principal molecular geneticist at SOAB, Dr Pandey will delve into ancient wheat germplasm to identify traits that can significantly boost the nutritional profile of wheat-based diets. Given wheat’s role as a daily staple, even incremental advances could translate into large-scale public health impact.

“Wheat is more than a crop; it’s a lifeline for millions. By enhancing its protein content through native genetics, we’re not just improving food, we’re investing in the health and dignity of future generations,” said Dr Pandey. “This associateship gives me the opportunity to explore ancient germplasm with modern tools, and I’m deeply committed to translating this science into real-world impact,” he said.

Congratulating Dr Pandey, Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal remarked, “This award reflects both brilliance and a deeper purpose—advancing science to serve communities.” As research shifts towards holistic crop improvement and nutrition sensitivity, Dr Pandey’s work will stand out as a beacon of what tomorrow’s agricultural science must strive for: health, resilience, and equity—rooted in the grains we grow, said Dr Gosal.