Punjab Agricultural University Joins Prestigious BRICS Network
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana has achieved a significant milestone. The university now formally belongs to the BRICS Network University. Its inclusion falls specifically under the thematic area of Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security.
A Strategic Move for Global Agri-Food Challenges
This development places PAU among a select group of institutions from BRICS nations. These countries include Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Together, these institutions will shape multilateral research, education, and innovation frameworks. Their primary goal is to tackle the world's most pressing agricultural and food challenges.
Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of PAU, expressed his views on the matter. He stated that the BRICS platform offers a valuable avenue. It allows for the co-creation of solutions focused on food security, climate adaptation, and sustainable livelihoods. This will be achieved by pooling expertise from diverse agro-ecological regions across the member countries.
Focus on Actionable Partnerships and Farmer Benefits
Dr. Gosal further indicated PAU's intended direction. The university will prioritize forming actionable partnerships. These collaborations are designed to benefit multiple stakeholders directly. The beneficiaries include:
- Farmers in participating countries
- Researchers working on agricultural science
- Students pursuing education in related fields
The expansion of the BRICS Network University itself received formal approval in May 2025. The BRICS International Governing Board sanctioned the move. This approval led to the creation of new thematic clusters, with Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security being one of them.
PAU's Distinct Position and National Recognition
For India's participation, two institutions were identified for each thematic group. PAU was shortlisted for the Sustainable Agriculture domain. This selection recognizes the university's strong national standing and its long-term contributions to agricultural science and rural livelihoods.
Notably, PAU holds a unique position. It is the only state agricultural university from India selected for this network. The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in Delhi represents the institute category. This distinction places PAU in a clear leadership role within the BRICS consortium.
Timing Aligns with India's BRICS Leadership Role
This recognition carries extra weight due to its timing. India is preparing to assume the rotating BRICS Chairmanship in 2026. The presidency logo for this term has already been unveiled recently. PAU's inclusion strengthens India's position and contributions as it prepares to lead the bloc.
The BRICS bloc itself represents major emerging and fast-growing economies globally. PAU's new role within its academic network underscores the university's growing international influence in addressing critical food security issues.
