Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has garnered two prestigious awards at the 59th Annual Group Meeting of the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Rice. The event, held at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, from April 24 to 26, 2024, brought together rice research centres from across India to discuss advancements in the field and to recognize outstanding achievements.

PAU was adjudged the best among 45 AICRP centres specializing in rice across India, securing two key awards: Best AICRP Centre (Rice Agronomy) and Best AICRP Centre (Overall). The awards were received by a team of rice scientists from PAU, who attended the event to share their research findings and network with other experts in the field. The recognition is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the progress made in rice research, particularly in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics at PAU, Ludhiana.

The Vice-Chancellor of PAU, Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, expressed pride in the team’s accomplishment, stating, “These awards signify the excellence of our research teams and the collaborative spirit that drives innovation at PAU. The recognition is well-deserved, and I am proud to be associated with such an outstanding group of professionals. We are committed to advancing agricultural science and contributing to the betterment of farmers and food security in India.”

Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director Research, and Dr. V.S. Sohu, Head, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, too considered the accomplishment as a reflection of dedication, expertise, and teamwork of PAU’s rice scientists demonstrated by advancing rice research. They congratulated the entire team for setting a high standard of research in the country.

Notably, PAU has significantly influenced rice cultivation by developing short-duration rice varieties with tailored production and protection technologies. These high-yielding crops offer disease resistance, lower input costs, and excellent milling quality, leading to widespread adoption. Currently, these varieties cover 70 percent of Punjab’s rice cultivation area and are gaining traction in neighboring states. Among them, PR 126 and PR 131 are favoured by farmers in Punjab and Haryana.

PAU’s resource-conserving practices like direct-seeded and transplanted rice further enhance yields and profits. This combination of innovative crops and advanced agronomic techniques has propelled Punjab to the highest rice productivity levels in India, rivaling global benchmarks. The success story in Punjab serves as a model for enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture in other regions. With the recent prestigious awards, PAU has reaffirmed its position as a leader in rice research and is poised to continue its journey toward excellence in agricultural science.