World Food Prize Laureates, Global Experts To Mentor PAU Students

Ludhiana, February 10,2025: Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, a premier institution of agricultural education and research in India, has taken a significant step in enriching its academic and research ecosystem by appointing a prestigious panel of 20 Honorary Visiting Professors. The PAU Board of Management has approved the appointment of globally renowned scientists, former faculty members, and distinguished alumni, including three World Food Prize Laureates - Dr. Gurdev Singh Khush, Dr. Rattan Lal, and Dr. Surinder K. Vasal.

Dr. Gurdev Singh Khush, an Adjunct Professor Emeritus at California State University, Fresno, is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to rice genetics and breeding, which have significantly enhanced global food security. Dr. Rattan Lal, a Distinguished University Professor at the Ohio State University and Director of the CFAES Rattan Lal Center for Carbon Management and Sequestration, has revolutionized soil health and climate resilience strategies. Dr. Surinder K. Vasal, a noted maize breeder, has been instrumental in the development of high-yielding and quality protein maize varieties that have benefited millions worldwide.

The newly appointed honorary professors represent a remarkable confluence of expertise spanning multiple continents, from North America and Europe to Australia and Asia. Their affiliations with premier institutions such as Washington State University, Kansas State University, the University of Missouri, McGill University, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay underscore PAU’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and globally relevant academic environment. The inclusion of leading scientists from institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the University of Newcastle, and the USDA-ARS further strengthens PAU’s international outreach and research collaborations.

This initiative is designed to provide PAU students and faculty with direct access to world-class expertise through a hybrid engagement model, encompassing both in-person visits and virtual interactions. These distinguished scholars will contribute through guest lectures, research mentorship, and collaborative projects, ensuring that PAU remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation.

The presence of internationally renowned figures such as Dr. Bikram Gill, a leading authority in wheat genetics from Kansas State University, Dr. Bing Yang, an expert in plant transformation from the University of Missouri, and Dr. Harjinder Singh, Director of the Riddet Institute in New Zealand, opens new avenues for student exchange programs, joint research endeavors, and technology transfer in sustainable agriculture.

Furthermore, the integration of expertise from diverse fields - ranging from soil science, biochemistry, and horticulture to plant pathology, food security, and climate resilience - will empower PAU’s students with a multi-disciplinary and multi-national perspective. This initiative is expected to enhance PAU’s research outputs, industry linkages, and policy contributions on a global scale.

PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal expressed his enthusiasm about this initiative, stating, “This distinguished panel of Honorary Visiting Professors reflects PAU’s commitment to excellence in agricultural research and education. Their mentorship will not only inspire our students but also drive impactful collaborations that address global agricultural challenges.”

As PAU continues to lead Indian agricultural education - having secured the top rank among 75 agricultural universities in India for two consecutive years (NIRF 2023 & 2024) - this initiative marks a new chapter in its pursuit of global excellence. The appointments of these eminent scholars reaffirm PAU’s vision of shaping future leaders in agriculture while reinforcing its stature as a premier institution driving innovation and sustainable solutions for food security worldwide.