PAU prepares for infrastructure overhaul with Punjab government's Rs 40 crore grant

NEW DELHI: The Punjab government has provided a considerable grant of Rs 40 crore to Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in its 2024-25 budget, recognising the university's essential role in agricultural and rural development. The funds are especially allocated for the development of research-related and other facilities at PAU, with the goal of strengthening its Research, Teaching, and Extension (RTE) programmes.

Satbir Singh Gosal, vice-chancellor of PAU, expressed thanks for the special allocation and praised the government's dedication towards education and the welfare of the agricultural community. He expressed gratitude to Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Mann and Finance Minister Sardar Harpal Singh Cheema for acknowledging PAU's contributions. Gosal emphasised the significance of this initiative, citing PAU's 60-year history of committed service to the state and nation. The grant will catalyse substantial progress, particularly in the areas of skill and entrepreneur development, he stated.

Modernising classrooms

Gosal stated that the grant is flexible and will be used to fulfil objectives, including strengthening research infrastructure, renovating hostel facilities, modernising classrooms, and procuring cutting-edge laboratory equipment. The funds will be utilised in strengthening PAU's ability to promote trait-specific, climate-resilient, and biofortified varieties, which are in line with the aims of a sustainable agricultural revolution.

Gosal highlighted PAU's commitment to sustaining high standards, acknowledging the government's assurance of ongoing financial assistance in the future. He emphasised the university's role in boosting agricultural development by optimising inputs for farmers' savings and fostering cooperation between businesses and farmers.

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Incorporating technologies

The Vice-Chancellor laid forth the university's plans for infrastructure growth and renovation. Furthermore, PAU intends to move towards smart and precision agriculture by integrating technologies such as drones, sensors, blockchain, AI, remote sensing, IoT, weather stations, GIS applications, nursery development, seed processing, farm automation, hydroponics, mushroom and vertical farming, aeroponics, and greenhouses.