Rural students, researchers feted at Punjab Agricultural University

Ludhiana: The Dr Gurdev Singh Khush Foundation for the Advancement of Agricultural Sciences organised its annual award Function, giving away awards to celebrate academic excellence and contributions to agricultural research and development. A total of 72 GS Khush Merit Scholarships were awarded to outstanding undergraduate students belonging to rural areas of Punjab from the eight constituent colleges of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana. In addition, five GS Khush Travel Grants were presented to faculty members and postgraduate students to support their participation in international conferences. A merit scholarship was also awarded to the top-performing student of PAU Model High School, Kaoni, Sri Muktsar Sahib.The Dr Darshan Singh Brar Award in Agriculture–2026 was given to Dr Tilak Raj Sharma, ICAR National Professor at the National Institute of Plant Biotechnology, IARI, New Delhi. He was honoured for his pioneering contributions to rice improvement over more than three decades, particularly in advancing molecular breeding for disease resistance and developing widely adopted rice varieties. The award carried a plaque and a cash prize of Rs3 lakh. The Dr Darshan Singh Brar Young Scientist Award–2026 was presented to Dr Buta Singh Dhillon, Senior Agronomist (Rice), PAU, in recognition of his significant contributions to rice production, nutrient and weed management, as well as his extension and teaching work. He received a plaque and a cash prize of Rs50,000. The Award for Excellence in Communication was conferred on Dr Anil Kumar Sharma, Associate Director (TV), PAU, for his outstanding work in agricultural communication through innovative and traditional media. He was awarded a plaque and Rs50,000.Focus On Diversification, Sustainable GrowthOn the occasion, Dr Jatinder Paul Singh Gill delivered a special lecture on the "Role of Livestock in Punjab Agriculture and Economy." He highlighted the growing importance of the livestock sector in enhancing farmers' income and emphasized the need for integrated farming systems combining crops and livestock. In his remarks, Dr SS Johl stressed the importance of diversifying Punjab agriculture towards animal husbandry and horticulture, while Kahan Singh Pannu, former Director of Agriculture, Punjab, underscored the need for proactive measures to improve farmers' income and agricultural sustainability. Addressing the gathering, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal lauded the Foundation's role in nurturing young talent, especially students from rural backgrounds, and congratulated all awardees. He also expressed gratitude to the Foundation for its continued support to agricultural education and research. In his address, Dr Gurdev Singh Khush congratulated all award recipients and appreciated the efforts of faculty members in mentoring students.