PAU Receives Best AICRP on Wheat and Barley Centre Award

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana has been honoured with the prestigious Best All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Wheat and Barley Centre Award for its remarkable contributions to agricultural research.

This recognition was bestowed upon them at the 62nd All India Wheat and Barley Research Worker's Meet, which took place from August 28 to 30, 2023.

The event was organized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) - Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley, Karnal. It is worth noting that this is the first time ICAR has introduced this award specifically for wheat and barley research in India.

PAU's team has made significant strides in the field of agricultural research over the past three years.

According to PAU's Vice-Chancellor, Satbir Singh Gosal, they have successfully developed ten distinct wheat varieties, out of which five have received approval from both the Central Variety Release Committee and the State Variety Release Committee. These varieties have been carefully crafted to cater to specific agricultural niches and emphasize high nutritional quality. Notable examples include PBW Zinc 2 and PBW RS 1.

Additionally, the university introduced a hulless barley variety known as PL 891, specially cultivated for food purposes.

Ajmer Singh Dhatt, the Director of Research at PAU, congratulated the award recipients and highlighted the team's comprehensive efforts in germplasm screening against diseases, insect pests, and nematodes. They have also been actively involved in the development of production and protection technologies, further enhancing the agricultural landscape.

In another significant development, a delegation from The Nature Conservancy (TNC) visited the university to discuss crop residue management and explore potential areas for future collaboration aimed at promoting Regenerative and No-Burn Agriculture.

The delegation, led by Jennifer Morris, Chief Executive Officer of TNC USA, engaged in discussions with Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, the Vice-Chancellor of PAU, as well as various deans, directors, additional directors, and department heads at the university. This collaborative effort holds promise for advancing sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

PAU's recognition and its ongoing commitment to agricultural research underscore its vital role in promoting innovation and sustainability in Indian agriculture, particularly in the crucial domains of wheat and barley research.