At PAU, South Korean delegation takes up precision farming, farm automation

A delegation from the South Korea visited Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and discussed prospective academic, research and technology partnerships, said officials.

The visiting delegation had representatives from Korean Society of Agricultural Machinery (KSAM), Chungnam National University and Suncheon National University.

The interaction focussed on priorities in agricultural mechanisation, smart farming systems and future-ready machinery for sustainable food production.

The visiting team, PAU Vice-Chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal and university officers discussed in detail avenues for joint research, faculty exchange, publications, student mobility and developing next-generation farm equipment.

During the interaction, V-C Gosal highlighted the university’s national and global standing. He stressed on the PAU’s consistent top rankings, nationally and globally. He said the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology played a decisive role in strengthening farm mechanization. According to Gosal, several machines being promoted under the Centre’s crop residue management programme originate from the PAU’s designs.

The delegates also took up School of Digital Innovations for Smart Agriculture, which integrates artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IOT) platforms and data analytics to support real-time decisions. Satellite-guided and auto-steered tractors, remote-controlled paddy transplanters and drone-based crop management were presented as practical responses to field challenges.

Manjeet Singh, dean, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, outlined the college’s focus on blending mechanical systems with digital tools. He delved into the use of AI, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), sensors, robotics and geographic information systems (GIS) in teaching and research. Singh also pointed to the Remote Pilot Training Organisation, being used to train rural youth in drone operations.

Singh said the visiting delegation will visit The Indian Agri Expo 2026 from January 30 to February 1.

According to a press release by the PAU, the delegation showed interest in PAU’s field-oriented innovation model, particularly, its ability to translate laboratory research into scalable machinery to be adopted by farmers. They said the research directions pursued at Korean institutions aligned closely with PAU’s work.

The KSAM is as a leading academic platform advancing research in bio-systems and agricultural machinery engineering. Working closely with major universities in South Korea, it encourages innovation in simulation, equipment design, automation, robotics and sustainable farming technologies. Chungnam National University plays a key role within this ecosystem through its departments of bio-systems machinery and smart agriculture systems. Suncheon National University strengthens this framework through its College of Life Science and Industry, offering postgraduate training in advanced agricultural technology and field-based research, supported through KSAM linkages.