Argentine students explore Punjab’s farming heritage at agriculture varsity

In a remarkable exchange of culture and science, a seven-member delegation from Argentina’s Centro Agrotécnico Regional (CAR) is visiting Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, under an academic and cultural exchange programme facilitated by the Embassy of India in Buenos Aires.

Led by Dr Catalina Felisa, the group includes three faculty members and four 18-year-old students pursuing studies in agriculture and agricultural engineering. Their visit, from October 8 to 17, offers a deep dive into the cultural and scientific heart of Indian agriculture.

Welcoming the visitors at PAU’s Museum of the Green Revolution, Dr Tejinder Singh Riar, Additional Director (Communication), narrated Punjab’s transformative journey from traditional farming to the Green Revolution. “Punjab’s story is not just about crops and irrigation — it’s about resilience, innovation and the spirit of a people who redefined food security for a nation,” said Dr Riar.

The delegation explored exhibits on pre-partition agrarian practices, indigenous irrigation systems and mechanised farming. “It’s fascinating to see how culture and science walk hand in hand here,” said Huber, one of the visiting students. “We’ve learned more about agriculture in one day than we could from months of textbooks.”

At the Museum of Social History of Punjab, they discovered traditional attire, utensils, livestock breeds and agricultural tools. “This museum is a living canvas of rural Punjab,” noted Harms, another student.

They also interacted with progressive beekeepers, comparing honey varieties from Argentina and Punjab, concluding with a taste of locally sourced honey ice cream.

Later, the delegation met PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, discussing future collaborations in student exchanges and long-term partnerships. Dr Gosal highlighted PAU’s top national ranking and its focus on climate-resilient farming, digital innovation and global cooperation.

In the coming days, the delegation will tour PAU’s research labs, farmer plots and the Agro-Processing and Food Industry Incubation Centres, along with a visit to a SMART school integrating technology into early education.

As they journey through Punjab’s fields, the Argentine visitors carry a profound appreciation for a region where tradition and transformation coexist in harmony.