PAU joins BRICS’ varsity group

Punjab Agricultural University has entered a new phase of global academic engagement with its formal inclusion in the BRICS Network University under the thematic area of Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security.

BRICS, a diplomatic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa as its five original members, represents major emerging and fastest growing economies.

PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal said that the development placed PAU among a select group of institutions from BRICS countries that would collectively shape multilateral research, education and innovation frameworks aimed at addressing some of the world’s most urgent agri-food challenges.

The expansion of the BRICS Network University was approved by the BRICS International Governing Board in May 2025, leading to the creation of new thematic clusters, including sustainable agriculture and food security. In India’s case, two institutions were identified for each thematic group. PAU was shortlisted for this domain in recognition of its national standing and long-term contributions to agricultural science and rural livelihoods.

“Notably, PAU is the only agricultural university from the country to be selected in the network, while the Indian Agricultural Research Institute represents the institute category, placing PAU in a distinct leadership position within the consortium,” Dr Gosal added.

This recognition gains added significance as India prepares to assume the rotating BRICS Chairmanship in 2026, with the presidency logo having been unveiled recently.

Dr Gosal emphasised that the BRICS platform offered an avenue to co-create solutions for food security, climate adaptation and sustainable livelihoods by pooling expertise across diverse agro-ecological regions. He added that PAU would prioritise actionable partnerships.