Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and Saken Seifullin University, Kazakhstan explored avenues of cooperation and mutual cooperation in scientific advances in agriculture during an online meeting on Thursday.
Saltanat Meiramova, President of Saken Seifullin University, initiated the meeting with Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice Chancellor of PAU, coordinated by Sanjay Vedi, Director of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center, Embassy of India in Astana, Kazakhstan.
SS Gosal highlights PAU's pioneering innovations and many contributions to agricultural science. The university's pivotal role in revolutionizing agriculture, research, and education in India has earned it the prestigious title of Best State University in the National Institutional Rankings Framework ( NIRF) 2023. Renowned for ushering in the green revolution, PAU continues to focus on conservation agriculture, the development of new varieties and hybrids in vegetables and horticultural crops, beekeeping, and agricultural mechanization. Gosal mentioned that 60% of agricultural machinery prototypes used in the country were developed by PAU's College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology (CoAE&T). The university is actively exploring high-yield, environmentally friendly, and climate change-adaptive technologies, including genome editing, molecular breeding, micro-irrigation, biosensors science, artificial intelligence, IoT biotechnology, robotics, and precision agriculture. Marketing technology, branding, and added value are also key areas.
PAU Research Director Ajmer Singh Dhatt gave an overview of PAU's extensive research technologies in crop systems, agricultural mechanization, agroforestry systems, biofertilizers, and residual analysis. pesticides, pest control, handling, and post-harvest techniques, as well as advanced technologies such as micropropagation, GM crops, and nano-fertilizers. PAU has released 900 varieties developed nationally and is committed to improving plant breeding management methods. Impressed with PAU's forward-looking vision, Saltanat Meiramova expressed a deep interest in scientific cooperation, especially in organic food production, food safety, and food quality. Saken Seifullin University has sought to engage in joint research projects, experimental fields, and internship programs in sustainable agricultural practices. They proposed the establishment of short courses for the mutual benefit of students and student and faculty exchange programs. The University of Kazakhstan has invited PAU scientists to participate in the upcoming Food Safety Conference.
