Algorithms to fields: Agri varsity, tech institute ink smart farming pact
Scripting a new chapter to bridge domains of agriculture and technology, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, and the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Sunday. The agreement sets the stage for collaborative ventures in precision agriculture, data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), geospatial science and joint research and training programmes, heralding a new era of interdisciplinary excellence.
The MoU was formally signed by Dr Rishi Pal Singh, Registrar, PAU, and Prof Sudhir Kumar Barai, Director, BITS, Pilani (Pilani Campus), in the presence of Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU. The signing ceremony took place in the committee room of the Vice-Chancellor, amid a gathering of senior academic and administrative officials from both institutions.
Col Soumyabrata Chakraborty, registrar; Prof SK Verma, senior professor, biological sciences department; Prof BK Rout, Mechanical Engineering Department; Prof Poonam Goyal, computer science department; Prof Radha Raman Mishra, assistant professor, mechanical engineering department; Prof Navneet Goyal, senior professor, computer science department; and Prof Neeru Sood from the biological sciences department (Dubai campus) were among prominent attendees from the BITS, Pilani.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Gosal described the collaboration as a progressive step towards integrating scientific innovation with real-world agricultural challenges. It would facilitate the integration of cutting-edge tools viz, AI, drones, IoT sensors, robotics, spectroscopy and GIS, into various facets of agriculture. He emphasised the PAU’s continued pursuit of partnerships that convert research into scalable, field-level solutions to benefit farmers and industry stakeholders.
Reflecting on the significance of the partnership, Dr Rishi Pal Singh observed that the MoU presents new vistas for the convergence of academic strength and technological prowess. He assured that both institutions were aligned in their vision and would ensure a meaningful and result-oriented implementation of the agreement.
Professor Barai echoed this sentiment, affirming that the alliance with the PAU resonates with the BITS vision of expanding its impact beyond boundaries of technical education. He underlined the necessity of channeling computational and engineering sciences towards sustainable agricultural advancement and rural development.
Adding historical context, Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, PAU, elaborated on the university’s leading role in agricultural innovation. He cited its monumental contributions in crop breeding, nutrient and water use efficiency, conservation agriculture and its pivotal role in the Green Revolution. According to him, this strategic tie-up would infuse PAU’s research ecosystem with the latest technological insights.
Welcoming the BITS delegation, Dr Manjeet Singh, Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, shared the broader vision of the MoU. Designed to enable faculty and student exchange, collaborative research, joint grant proposals and technology transfer, the agreement aims to build long-term institutional synergies to address emerging challenges in the
Indian agriculture.
The MoU will be valid for five years and would renew automatically unless either party opts for termination.
The agreement signifies a promising confluence of agricultural science and advanced technology geared towards excellence in research, innovation and outreach.
Ludhiana