GS Khush Foundation presents scholarships and awards shift from strategic to translational research

Ludhiana, February 20, 2015: A guest lecture and an award giving ceremony were organised by Dr Gurdev Singh Khush Foundation for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today. On the occasion, the Chief Guest, Dr R.S. Paroda, Chairman, Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences, and former Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi delivered a thought-provoking talk on “Challenges before Indian Agriculture - The Way Forward.” 

Dr G.S. Khush, PAU alumnus and a world renowned rice breeder, and his wife Dr Harwant Khush, Vice-Chairperson of the Foundation also graced the occasion with their presence. Besides, former PAU Vice-Chancellors including Dr Khem Singh Gill, Dr S.S. Johl and Dr Manjit Singh Kang; present PAU VC Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon; new VC of GADVASU Dr A.S. Nanda; and expert Dr Amrik S. Gill attended the lecture.

Dr Khush said that the major motive of the Foundation is to promote excellence in education and transfer of technology. He exhorted the students to work hard, and make vital contribution towards the advancement of the country.

In his talk, Dr Paroda said, “Green Revolution led to unprecedented growth and raised our head high before rest of the world.” Despite four-fold increase in the population, there has been increase in food grain production by almost five fold, he disclosed. But the second generation problems of green revolution including nutrient imbalance, poor soil health and water quality, salinity and water logging are a matter of serious concern, he said.  “Despite significant increase in the food grains production (264.7 million tonnes), with a buffer stock of more than 50 million tonnes, people below poverty line have no economic access to food,” he observed. Dr Paroda expressed concern over poverty which is around 25 per cent, and acute malnutrition, as every three out of five children below the age of five years are severely malnourished in the country. Revealing that 15 countries in Asia have alarming levels of hunger, he emphasized on ensuring food, nutritional and health security to all. “By the year 2030, the country would need 70 per cent more food to meet the demands of ever-growing population including addition of five million tonnes of food grains every year,” he stressed. Dr Paroda said that the need of the hour is to promote innovations for resilience in agriculture. Empowering women in farming will also lead to increased productivity, he added. Further, he highlighted that agricultural biotechnology is a great success and about 180 million hectare area is under transgenic crops in developing countries. Dr Paroda urged the scientists to shift from strategic to translational research, focus on output and outcome, think globally and act locally, concentrate on improving livelihood of small farmers, and lay thrust on farming system’s mode. Increased investment in agriculture R&D, and linking farmers to market are also equally important, he said. Innovations in agricultural technology, policy and institutions offer new opportunity to improve food, nutrition and environmental security, he added.

Earlier, while welcoming the guests and the participants, Dr Dhillon said that Dr Khush’s name is a great motivation for the faculty as well as the students. He gave a brief introduction of Dr Paroda and highlighted his achievements.

Dr D.S. Brar, Adjunct Professor, School of Agricultural Biotechnology, described Dr Khush as an architect of Green Revolution. Dr Khush has been instrumental in developing more than 300 varieties of rice and other crops, which are grown in nearly 70 countries, he said. “Dr Khush is a highly decorated scientist and has donated Rs 3.5 crore to PAU,” he said, while adding that it is with this generous support that this Foundation has been established in the University.

Dr Kuldeep Singh, Professor, School of Agricultural Biotechnology,  coordinated the programme. On the occasion, dignitaries presented 35 merit scholarships to undergraduate students of PAU (31) and GADVASU (4), and six travel grants to young scientists and post-graduate students. Besides, two team awards carrying a cash prize of Rs 50,000 were bestowed on Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bathinda and Farm Advisory Service Scheme, Bathinda for excellence in transfer of technology.