PAU breaks ground, hires agri experts

Students at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, are all excited and looking forward to an enriching academic experience as the university has appointed a prestigious panel of honorary visiting professors. The appointment of distinguished alumni, including three World Food Prize laureates Dr Gurdev Singh Khush, Dr Rattan Lal and Dr Surinder K Vasal, has brought cheer among the students.

The newly appointed honorary professors represent a remarkable confluence of expertise spanning multiple continents — from North America to Europe to Australia and Asia.

Dr Gurdev Singh Khush, an Adjunct Professor Emeritus at California State University, Fresno, is celebrated for his ground-breaking contribution to rice genetics and breeding, which have significantly enhanced global food security.

Dr Rattan Lal, a Distinguished University Professor at the Ohio State University and Director of the CFAES Rattan Lal Center for Carbon Management and Sequestration, has revolutionised soil health and climate resilience strategies.

Dr Surinder K Vasal, a noted maize breeder, has been instrumental in the development of high-yielding and quality protein maize varieties that have benefited millions worldwide.

Apart from them, the presence of internationally renowned figures such as Dr Bikram Gill, a leading authority in wheat genetics from Kansas State University, Dr Bing Yang, an expert in plant transformation from the University of Missouri, and Dr Harjinder Singh, Director of the Riddet Institute in New Zealand, will open new avenues for student exchange programmes, joint research endeavours, and technology transfer in sustainable agriculture.

“The initiative is designed to provide PAU students and faculty with direct access to world-class expertise through a hybrid engagement model, encompassing both in-person visits and virtual interactions. The distinguished scholars will contribute through guest lectures, research mentorship and collaborative projects, ensuring that PAU remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation,” said PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal.

“Dr Gurdev Singh Khush is a renowned agronomist and geneticist and is also known as ‘paddy man’ for his work in developing new rice varieties that helped increase the global food supply. He played a prominent role in increasing rice production and food security around the world. We have met him at various events organised at PAU and it will be an altogether enriching and valuable experience to be taught by the master himself,” said Harvir Singh, a student.

“I have always looked up to Dr Rattan Lal as my idol and met him once at a function. The initiative taken by the university will enhance research outputs, industry linkages and policy contributions on a global scale. Students are looking forward to the new initiative of the university and are really excited about it. Their mentorship will not only inspire the students but also drive impactful collaborations that address global agricultural challenges,” said another student.

As per Dr TS Riar, Additional Director, Communications, PAU, “As PAU continues to lead Indian agricultural education — having secured the top rank among 75 agricultural universities in India for two consecutive years (NIRF 2023 & 2024) — the initiative marks a new chapter in its pursuit of global excellence. The appointment of these eminent scholars reaffirm PAU’s vision of shaping future leaders in agriculture while reinforcing its stature as a premier institution driving innovation and sustainable solutions for food security worldwide,” said.