Dr. Konstantin Malashenkov, Counselor (Agriculture) at the Russian Embassy in India, led a three-member delegation to Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana. Discussions with PAU Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, and the university officers aimed at identifying collaboration opportunities and enhancing institutional relations. Dr. Malashenkov was joined by Dr. Yuri Plugatar, Director, Nikitsky Botanical Gardens, Nikita, Yalta (Russia) and Dr. Sergei Khokhlov, Deputy Head for International Activity, signifying a concerted effort towards bilateral cooperation in academics and horticultural research.

Notably, the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens (NBG) is a leading scientific institution located in the south of Russia – a vault of specific and varietal diversity of southern fruit cultivars and unique collections of decorative woody and herbaceous plants. Established in 1812, the Gardens became world famous for their unique Arboretum (tree nursery), which is a landmark of Russian botanical science for millions of domestic and foreign tourists, specialists and plant breeders.

Briefing the foreign contingent about PAU’s current status, Dr. S.S. Gosal dilated upon its pivotal role in enhancing farmers’ welfare. As the driving force behind the Green Revolution and India’s leading State Agricultural University according to NIRF 2023 rankings, PAU excels in conservation agriculture, apiculture, and farm mechanization. He highlighted the university’s innovative research in protection and processing technologies, coupled with effective technology transfer methods.

Emphasizing the importance of developing environmentally-friendly technologies to increase output, Dr. Gosal shed light on PAU’s current focus that extends beyond food security. With a special accent on achieving nutritional security through the development of trait-specific specialty varieties and speed breeding techniques, he conveyed PAU’s commitment to addressing agricultural challenges while ensuring sustainability and nutritional sufficiency.

Dr. Gosal specified PAU’s preference for partners sharing its values and dynamic approach. He mentioned existing collaborations with international institutions, facilitating teaching, faculty, and student exchanges. In addition to focus on horticulture, he referred to PAU’s interest in collaborative research ventures in climate-resilient tech, genome editing, biosensors, precision agriculture, AI, IoT, etc., aiming for mutual growth and innovation.

Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, PAU’s Director of Research, presented the university’s array of research technologies spanning cropping systems, soil testing, kinnow cultivation, conservation agriculture, and more, enriching its societal contributions. He claimed that PAU has advanced Punjab's horticulture by promoting biodiversity, encouraging environmental sustainability, and improving livelihoods across the sector. He also noted that leading entrepreneurs in the region are producing flower seeds for export around the globe. Dr. Dhatt proposed several fruit and vegetable crops that would be suitable for the climate in southern Russia.

Outlining the postgraduate programmes at PAU, Dr. Manav Indra Singh Gill, PAU’s Dean Post Graduate Studies, suggested possibilities of student and faculty mobility for better exposure along with the exchange of ideas and germplasm for research purposes. Dr. Rishi Pal Singh (IAS), PAU’s Registrar, assured administrative support for robust collaborations, highlighting that defined timelines would be set to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship between the institutions.

Having noted the extensive topics covered during the discussion, the delegates observed that the cross-pollination of ideas and expertise among scientists could be transformative for both the institutions. They agreed that such partnerships would spur innovation and prepare the next generation of horticultural thought leaders. They endorsed cross-border mobility and institutional collaborations to promote academic exchanges, broaden knowledge, and strengthen global ties. This approach, they believed, would offer a unique learning experience, while enhancing research capabilities and elevating international recognition for PAU as well as NBG.

Earlier, while welcoming the delegates, Dr. Manjeet Singh, Dean, PAU’s College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, briefed about the long association PAU has shared with Russian Institutes. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Vishal Bector, Associate Director (Institute Relations).