A delegation from Punjab, led by IAS KAP Sinha, Punjab’s special chief secretary, and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) vice-chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal, visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi. The team engaged in discussions with IRRI’s director Sudhanshu Singh and scientists to explore potential collaborations in various areas of rice research.
Sinha praised IRRI’s leading role in rice research, expressing interest in replicating successful partnerships, particularly citing IRRI’s collaboration with the Odisha government. Gosal highlighted the historical ties between PAU and IRRI and identified key areas for collaboration, including water management, soil health, and climate change adaptation.
Sudhanshu Singh reiterated IRRI’s readiness to collaborate with policymakers and national research systems to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the rice-based agri-food sector, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The delegation also toured IRRI’s advanced facilities.
In a separate development, Ludhiana Agro Stubble Management Private Limited (ASMPL), a start-up under Punjab Agri-Business Incubator (PABI) at PAU, secured trademark registration for its innovative stubble management solutions. PAU officials commended the milestone, highlighting the potential of ASMPL’s products in contributing to sustainable agriculture and construction practices.
