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Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has received a substantial grant of Rs 1.25 crore from Punjab & Sind Bank (PSB) as part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. The funds will be used to develop a ‘Digital Technology Park’ at the university, focusing on advancing agricultural practices through cutting-edge technologies. This initiative, titled “Futuristic Farming: Demonstrating Cutting-Edge Agri-Techniques for Resource Conservation,” aims to boost agricultural productivity while conserving vital resources.

MoU Signed

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of PAU, and Mr. Swarup Kumar Saha, Managing Director and CEO of PSB. Speaking at the event, Dr. Gosal emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “This initiative is a major milestone in our mission to enhance agricultural sustainability. By integrating precision farming technologies, we can conserve essential resources and minimize environmental impacts.” The project will showcase advanced technologies such as sensor-based irrigation, automated weather stations, drone applications, and machine learning-based decision support systems.

Mr. Saha praised PAU for its pioneering role in transforming agriculture in India and expressed his excitement about the partnership. He noted that this collaboration reflects Punjab & Sind Bank’s commitment to supporting sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both farmers and the environment. Mr. Chaman Lal Shienhmar, PSB’s Field General Manager in Chandigarh, highlighted the importance of giving back to the farming community and described the initiative as a way to uplift the region’s agricultural sector.

Model for other regions

Dr. S.S. Chahal and Dr. N.S. Malhi, key figures in the project, lauded its alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). They pointed out that the comprehensive approach and innovative technologies used in the project would create a significant shift in how agriculture is practiced. Dr. M.I.S. Gill, PAU Registrar, remarked that the project’s impact would extend beyond immediate benefits, serving as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.

Dr. Ajmer Singh Brar, the scientist behind the proposal, highlighted the practical benefits of the technologies being implemented. He mentioned that a machine learning-based decision support system would enhance the project’s impact, with data and recommendations on sensor-based automated irrigation being made available to farmers through a cloud-based application. This will enable farmers to make informed decisions and improve their productivity.

In his welcome address, Dr. C.S. Aulakh, Dean of the College of Agriculture, noted that this model could be expanded to tackle other agricultural challenges in real-time. Dr. Manjeet Singh, Dean of the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, proposed a vote of thanks, stressing the importance of a digital revolution in agriculture for making informed and critical farming decisions.

Hub for R&D

The partnership between PAU and Punjab & Sind Bank is seen as a significant step toward modernizing agriculture in India. The initiative is expected to set new standards in farming practices, benefiting farmers across the country and promoting sustainable agricultural development. In addition to the grant and technological advancements, the Digital Technology Park at PAU will serve as a hub for research and development, aiming to train the next generation of agricultural scientists and technologists. The initiative will also include collaborations with international agricultural research organizations to ensure that the latest global innovations are integrated into local practices. Furthermore, PAU plans to organize workshops and training sessions for farmers, enabling them to adopt these cutting-edge technologies on their farms. This project is expected to create new employment opportunities in the region, contributing to the socio-economic development of Punjab’s rural areas.

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