Ludhiana: In a move to modernise the region’s agricultural landscape, a high-level South Korean delegation has visited Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) to forge a strategic partnership in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainable farm machinery.The delegation — representing the Korean Society of Agricultural Machinery (KSAM), Chungnam National University, and Suncheon National University — held extensive talks on Saturday to address critical regional challenges, including labor shortages and climate stress.A Convergence of “Smart” TechnologyThe dialogue centered on integrating South Korea’s advanced digital ecosystems with PAU’s field-proven engineering models. Key areas of the prospective collaboration include next-gen machinery (co-development of equipment focused on precision-driven field operations), digital integration (utilising AI, sensors, and robotics to automate traditional farming practices), academic exchange (formalised programmes for faculty mobility, joint research publications, and student exchange), and drone training (leveraging PAU’s ministry-approved Remote Pilot Training Organisation to empower rural youth with UAV skills).PAU’s Global StandingVice-chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal briefed the delegates on the university’s recent entry into the top 100 agricultural institutions globally. He emphasised that the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology has already been a national leader, particularly in designing machines for the Govt of India’s crop residue management programme.“The research directions pursued at Korean institutions align closely with our ongoing work,” Gosal noted. “This partnership reflects a growing convergence in responding to modern agricultural pressures.”The Korean EcosystemThe visiting institutions bring a wealth of specialised knowledge to the table. KSAM has expertise in biosystems, simulation, and equipment automation, Chungnam National University in tractor power simulation and AI-driven decision support, and Suncheon National University in advanced field-based research and life science industry training. The Korean delegates expressed particular interest in PAU’s ability to translate lab-scale innovations into scalable, rugged machinery that is widely adopted by the farming community across Northern India.
