Agriculture needs fresh technology and research, says PAU vice-chancellor

The Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, organised Sardar Bishan Singh Samundri Memorial Lectureship Award. The prestigious award, instituted by Sardar Jaswant Singh Rai Memorial Trust, Jalandhar, is conferred annually upon eminent scientists for their outstanding contribution in the field of agriculture and allied sciences.

This year, the honour was bestowed upon Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, in recognition of his remarkable achievements and pioneering contribution to agricultural and biological sciences. Dr Gosal, a renowned academician and research leader, has played a pivotal role in advancing agricultural biotechnology, crop improvement and sustainable farming practices in India. In the award lecture, he emphasised upon the need to enhance productivity in economically important crops through the integration of cutting-edge technologies and strategic research interventions.

Dr Gosal also introduced the concept of “Agribusiness” as a means to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and self-reliance among young scientists and agricultural professionals. He shared valuable insights into the strategic research initiatives undertaken at Punjab Agricultural University, focusing on developing climate-resilient crop varieties, advancing biotechnology applications and strengthening India’s position at the global scientific frontier.