Session dwells on behavioural economics

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) hosted an engaging interaction with Prof Sanjit Dhami, a distinguished professor of economics at the University of Leicester and an eminent scholar in behavioural economics. The event, organised at the committee room of PAU Vice-Chancellor, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, brought together university officials and faculty for a thought-provoking discussion on the applications of behavioural economics in public policy and business management.

Harpreet Sandhu, heritage promoter and nature artist, and Dr Harnish Bindra, senior consultant gastroenterologist, also attended the session.

Sharing insights from his research, Prof Dhami particularly focused on how behavioural economics integrates human behaviour into traditional economic models. Referring to his upcoming book — Principles of Behavioural Economics: Microeconomics and Human Behaviour — he noted that this work aims to make behavioural economics accessible to undergraduates while bridging the gap between standard economics and interdisciplinary approaches. Prof Dhami expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic reception at the PAU and highlighted the potential of behavioural economics to revolutionise areas such as policy design, game theory and social preferences.

Describing Prof Dhami’s interaction as a valuable learning experience for both faculty and students, Dr Rishi Pal Singh, Registrar, PAU, stated that incorporating behavioural insights into policy frameworks could significantly enhance governance and decision-making in agriculture and beyond.

Dr Singh underscored PAU’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary learning, while adding that collaborations with global scholars like Prof Dhami strengthen the university’s academic ecosystem.

Adding to the discourse, Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, PAU, emphasised on the significance of behavioural economics in crafting effective marketing strategies, especially in agriculture. He pointed that understanding the cognitive biases and decision-making patterns of farmers and consumers could drive better adoption of technologies and sustainable practices.

Dr Dhatt appreciated Prof Dhami’s lucid explanation of complex concepts, which he said inspired both faculty and students to delve deeper into this evolving field.