Latest news with #PunjabAgriculturalUniversity
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
PAU opens training centre for UPSC aspirants
In a step to guide Punjab's youth towards careers in civil services, the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) inaugurated the state training centre for IAS, PCS, and other competitive exams, at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Auditorium in the Students' Home. PAU vice-chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal, praised the Punjab Government's initiative to establish such centres across the state. He said the centre at PAU, the first of its kind at the university, would be instrumental in shaping the future of aspiring bureaucrats and scholars. Highlighting the vital contribution of civil servants and agricultural scientists to nation-building, Gosal emphasised that the centre will provide free coaching to meritorious students, especially those from financially weak backgrounds. He added that a dedicated building for the centre is already in the pipeline and students will have full access to PAU's central library and other academic facilities. Director of students' welfare, Nirmal Jaura, elaborated on the centre's purpose, calling it a step towards equal opportunity in education and public service. He informed the audience that PAU's centre is among eight, recently approved by the Punjab Government to train candidates for top government roles including IAS, IPS, PCS, IRS, and ARS. Jaura noted that a qualifying test, to be conducted by Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, will be used to select deserving students, who will also be eligible for scholarships. Gursharanjit Singh Sandhu, principal of Government SCD College, lauded the initiative as a 'guiding light' for students determined to join civil services. The advisory panel includes top officials like the PAU vice-chancellor, director of higher education, deputy commissioner of Ludhiana, and PAU registrar, while the working committee is headed by Vipan Kumar Rampal with a team of dedicated faculty members. As part of the inaugural ceremony, two outstanding students were honoured by the vice-chancellor. Parisdeep Aulakh, from the College of Horticulture and Forestry, secured an All-India Rank of 172 in UPSC CAPF 2024. Sourav, an alumnus of the College of Agriculture and now assistant director with MSME, was also recognised for his achievements. International Day for Biological Diversity celebrated The department of forestry and natural resources, in collaboration with the NSS unit at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity on June 16. The event was organised under the global theme 'Be Part of the Plan', with the aim to promote environmental awareness. The ceremony supported by the National Biodiversity Authority through the Punjab Biodiversity Board and the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology, Chandigarh, drew participation of around 250 students. The highlight of the day was an expert lecture by Renu Bhardwaj, former professor at Guru Nanak Dev University, on 'How to Sustain Development and Preserve Biodiversity.' Bhardwaj captivated the audience by addressing the urgent need to protect natural resources amid growing environmental challenges like climate change, urban sprawl, and industrialisation. Chief guest RIS Gill, estate officer, PAU, spoke about the root causes of biodiversity erosion and stressed the importance of its conservation through sustainable practices. The programme also included several interactive student competitions such as poster-making and slogan-writing. The poster making competition was triumphed by Jasmandeep Kaur, Dhami Kapila, and Mehakpreet Kaur while Tanya Kaur, Arppita Sharma, and Avreet Kaur bagged prizes in slogan writing. Concluding the event, GPS Dhillon, head of the department, highlighted PAU's commitment to biodiversity conservation, especially through nursery production of traditional tree species.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Punjab: Indian Institutional Ranking Framework: PAU bags top podium spot, adjudged best among 67 state agri varsities
Reaffirming its stature as a national leader in agricultural education and research, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana has clinched the top spot among 67 state agricultural universities (SAU) and secured second position nationwide in the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) 2025. Out of 78 agricultural and horticultural institutions assessed – including Indian Council of Agricultural Research-deemed universities, central agricultural universities and ICAR institutes – PAU stands just behind ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi. The rankings, regarded as a credible benchmark of academic excellence, are based on comprehensive evaluation criteria including research output, teaching quality, placements, industry linkages, innovation, and faculty performance. The Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) evaluates and ranks over 2500 institutions across the country. PAU vice-chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal hailed the achievement as a reflection of the university's enduring commitment to academic and research excellence. 'PAU's consistent presence at the top of national rankings underscores the dedication of our faculty, students and staff. Our mission to support Indian agriculture through education, innovation and outreach remains stronger than ever,' he said. Registrar Dr Rishi Pal Singh (IAS) also commended the university's performance, attributing the high ranking to PAU's holistic focus on cutting-edge research and farmer-centric innovation. Dr MIS Gill, dean of postgraduate studies and a key coordinator in the ranking process, said that PAU's strong national positioning reaffirms its forward-thinking vision in agricultural science. With a legacy that spans decades, PAU is known for its robust institutional framework comprising over 35 departments, six constituent colleges and 10 regional research stations. The university has developed over 950 crop varieties, significantly advancing productivity in wheat, rice, cotton and horticultural crops. It is also a leader in research publications, patents and technology transfers. PAU's extension network impacts lakhs of farmers annually, delivering high-quality seeds, training and expert guidance. Its active collaborations with national and international bodies further reinforce its reputation as a global center of agricultural excellence. The IIRF 2025 honour follows PAU's consistent top-tier performance in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings, where it secured the top SAU position and the third overall rank among agricultural institutions in both 2023 and 2024.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
From bakers to pregnant women, PAU's fresh wheat varieties cater to specific & evolving consumer needs
Ludhiana: Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), which once made the country self-sufficient in foodgrain production, is now leading efforts to make wheat varieties that meet the evolving demands of different segments. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Among them are regular consumers, bakers, and health-conscious households as well. In the early years, when food security was a challenge in the country, PAU's primary goal was to develop high-yielding varieties. This was especially evident during the Green Revolution as the university adapted and developed several wheat varieties, playing a crucial role in making India self-sufficient in wheat production. Such varieties, with some yielding up to 30 quintals of wheat per acre, transformed Punjab into the food bowl of the country. However, as yields increased, concerns emerged about the quality of wheat, particularly the aroma, softness, and whiteness of chapatis made from traditional varieties. Over time, consumers began to notice that modern high-yielding varieties lacked the flavour and light texture of the older desi wheat. Many even began sourcing wheat from other states like Madhya Pradesh despite the higher costs. This consumer demand for quality rekindled research efforts at PAU. After nearly a decade of work, the university in 2020 introduced a breakthrough variety — PBW1 chapati. Though its yield is relatively lower — 18 to 19 quintals per acre, it offers excellent chapati quality, comparable to traditional desi wheat. It is superior in aroma, softness, whiteness, and taste. It remains soft and doesn't dry up quickly — the dough made from this wheat remains soft for up to 72 hours, a marked improvement over modern varieties that tend to darken and dry up quickly. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The traditional desi wheat varieties were more prone to disease like yellow rust and brown rust. This variety is an improvement on the desi variety, having the similar qualities, but more resistant to the diseases. In a further push to meet nutritional demands, PAU also developed PBW zinc 2 last year, a biofortified wheat variety with 25% more zinc content than conventional varieties. It yields around 23.5 quintals per acre, which is on a par with traditional wheat varieties. It is targeted towards pregnant women and growing children, as zinc is an essential micronutrient for immune function and development. This variety is an improvement over the earlier PBW zinc 1 released in 2017, offering enhanced nutritional benefits without compromising on yield. As another addition to specialised varieties last year, PAU also introduced PBW1 biscuit, a variety tailored for the baking and processed food industry. It was released last year. Derived from European germplasm and adapted to Indian agro-climatic conditions, this variety shows superior spread factor, which is the key requirement in baking high-quality cookies, so the cookie size and crunchiness is better for the same amount of dough. It has already attracted international interest, with a non-exclusive agreement signed with General Mills (USA). Farmers interested in growing this variety for the bakery segment are encouraged to collaborate with PAU. Dr VS Sohu, principal wheat breeder at the department of plant breeding and genetics, said, "The university is focusing on high-quality varieties along with high-yielding ones. These are premium quality varieties, in which the yield may be slightly less, but these can be sold by farmers at a premium to specific markets, if they have a proper marketing channel and ready customer base in place." PAU vice-chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal emphasised that the university is focusing on creating market-driven, high-quality wheat varieties that go beyond traditional yield goals as well. "The aim is to innovate and advance solutions to meet the requirements of health-specific consumers and nutrition-sensitive populations. One such variety which is under development is a low glycaemic index wheat, especially for individuals seeking to manage blood sugar levels. The VC said PAU continues to play a pioneering role, not just in ensuring food security, but in shaping the future of food quality, nutrition, and market-oriented agriculture." BOX MAIN HEADER: A LOOK AT SOME LATEST WHEAT TYPES SUBHEAD: PBW1 chapati After nearly a decade of work, the university in 2020 introduced a breakthrough variety — PBW1 chapati Though its yield is relatively lower — 18 to 19 quintals per acre, it offers excellent chapati quality, comparable to traditional desi wheat It is superior in aroma, softness, whiteness, and taste It remains soft and doesn't dry up quickly — the dough made from this wheat remains soft for up to 72 hours, a marked improvement over modern varieties that tend to darken and dry up quickly The traditional desi wheat varieties were more prone to disease like yellow rust and brown rust. This variety is an improvement on the desi variety, having the similar qualities, but more resistant to the diseases SUBHEAD: PBW zinc 2 In a further push to meet nutritional demands, PAU also developed PBW zinc 2 last year, a biofortified wheat variety with 25% more zinc content than conventional varieties It yields around 23.5 quintals per acre, which is on a par with traditional wheat varieties It is targeted towards pregnant women and growing children, as zinc is an essential micronutrient for immune function and development This variety is an improvement over the earlier PBW zinc 1 released in 2017, offering enhanced nutritional benefits without compromising on yield SUBHEAD: PBW1 biscuit PAU also introduced PBW1 biscuit, a variety tailored for the baking and processed food industry, last year Derived from European germplasm and adapted to Indian agro-climatic conditions, this variety shows superior spread factor, which is the key requirement in baking high-quality cookies, so the cookie size and crunchiness is better for the same amount of dough It has already attracted international interest, with a non-exclusive agreement signed with General Mills (USA) QUOTE: The aim is to innovate and advance solutions to meet the requirements of health-specific consumers and nutrition-sensitive populations. One such variety which is under development is a low glycaemic index wheat, especially for individuals seeking to manage blood sugar levels Satbir Singh Gosal, vice-chancellor, PAU
Hindustan Times
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: Teachers hold statewide protest, slam government over unmet promises
Government school teachers from across the state gathered outside Punjab Agricultural University for a statewide protest rally on Wednesday. The demonstration was led by various teachers' unions, including the Democratic Teachers' Front (DTF) Punjab, 6635 ETT Teachers Union, 4161 Master Cadre Union, and others. Terming the policies of the Punjab government as discriminatory and unjust, the teachers accused the government of turning its back on them, claiming that the tall claims of bringing an 'Education revolution' now appear to be hollow. The agitated teachers raised various issues, such as job insecurity after being removed from recruitment lists, exclusion from transfer processes, failure to regularise meritorious school staff, non-implementation of old pension schemes, pending promotions, blocked allowances, and pay scale disparities. They slammed the government for issuing termination notices to teachers whose futures remain uncertain due to faulty recruitment decisions. The protest saw participation from teachers working hundreds of kilometers away from their hometowns who were denied even basic transfer opportunities after demanded the implementation of a court decision regarding providing full pay to 5,178 teachers during probation and regularisation of 7,654 Hindi subject educators and open distance learning teachers. The termination order of Ravinder Kamboj and delay in regular orders for several cadres were highlighted as examples of deep-rooted injustice. 'Ravinder was appointed on a contractual basis in 2013 and was due for regularisation in 2016. However, he was abruptly terminated in 2015 on the grounds that his postgraduate degree was not in the relevant subject. In a major relief, the Punjab and Haryana high court ruled in his favour in February this year, ordering the state government to regularise his services. Despite the court's directive, the government has failed to act, and Kamboj continues to work on a meagre monthly salary of ₹10,300 — the same since his initial appointment in 2013,' explained DTF president Vikram Dev Singh. Union leaders, including Vikram Dev Singh, Tina, Gaurav Sharma, and others addressed the protestors, demanding cancellation of direct recruitment orders for principals and block primary education officers (BPEOs) and restoration of 25% direct recruitment and 75% promotion quota. They further pressed for pay scale revisions for physical training instructors and art and craft teachers, regular jobs for contract and volunteer teachers, restoration of blocked rural and border allowances, and immediate fulfilment of all pending teacher promotions and recruitments. As tensions rose during the protest march, a brief scuffle broke out with the police. 'Our rally concluded as we have been assured meetings with the education secretary on June 13 and the chief minister on June 18 by the district administration officials,' said Vikram. 'This protest sent a clear message. Punjab's teachers are no longer willing to be silent victims of broken promises,' said Deepak Kamboj, state president of the 6635 ETT Teachers' Union.
Hindustan Times
12-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Punjab farmers worried as wheat straw prices dip amid lack of demand
A record dip in the prices of toori (chopped wheat straw), which is used as animal fodder, due to lesser demand in the dairy sector this year has left the wheat growers in a fix. Traders say this year, rates in several parts of the state remained stagnant at ₹130- ₹180 per quintal, whereas in 2024, its rates touched ₹500 per quintal. Experts warned that if the trend continues, it may push the farmers to burn the wheat residue as they will be left with no option for the disposal of the straw. Stakeholders attribute a sharp decline in demand to the use of silage, a processed and nutritious cattle feed prepared from maize and other ingredients, by the dairy sector, as well as the new practice of feeding rice straw to the livestock. Faridkot-based Lakhwinder Singh, who has been supplying toori to the dairy owners and industry for the last over a decade, said earlier a farmer could get ₹800-900 for a quintal of chopped wheat straw. 'But now the demand for the toori has shrunk drastically. Four paper mills in Punjab are demanding straw to be used in paper manufacturing and they offer low prices, sensing that wheat growers are hard pressed to sell the wheat byproduct, especially in light of low demand from the dairy owners,' he said. A wheat grower from Bajak village in Bathinda, Baldev Singh, said his stock of about 1,000 quintals of chopped wheat straw is lying unsold due to low rates. 'I cultivated wheat on 50 acres, and each acre generates about 20 quintals of toori. It costs around ₹200-250 per quintal to produce toori, whereas the traders are offering ₹160 per quintal. I cannot sell at a loss. I will wait till January next year when its rate may touch ₹300,' he added. A progressive farmer Tarsem Singh of Salina village in Moga, said the sale of toori brought additional income to the farmers and curbed farm fires. 'A farmer used to get an additional income of around ₹4,000 per acre after producing toori. But it is the second season when rates have dipped, and there is hardly any demand for the conventional fodder,' he said. Former chairperson of the Punjab state farmers commission (PSFC) Ajayvir Jakhar attributed the low demand for toori to the dairy sector shifting to paddy residue to feed livestock. 'Chopped wheat straw is traditionally mixed with other nutrients, and the cattle can digest it better. Since paddy stubble is managed in a better way, a shift is seen in the baled residue,' he opined. Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) principal agronomist and wheat expert Hari Ram said that the trend is worrisome. 'We fear that farmers may resort to farm fires after harvesting wheat. Demand for the toori as a dry fodder is decreasing, and the situation requires serious thought,' said the expert. Ravinder Singh Grewal, director of extension education and director of the livestock farm at the Ludhiana-based Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, said that silage is a highly nutritious food for cattle, and it should not be discouraged. 'Rates of toori in Ludhiana, the hub of the commercial dairy activities, have improved to ₹400 per quintal, but ways need to be found for the usage of wheat straw in different industries,' Grewal said.
