PAU Research Team Secures Victory at Prestigious AgriThon 2.0 Competition
In a significant achievement for agricultural innovation, a dedicated team from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana has emerged as the champion of AgriThon 2.0. This prestigious regional competition was organized by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-J) in Jammu and Kashmir, drawing participation from across Northern India.
Celebrating Excellence at Krishi Sammelan
The award was officially presented on February 11, 2026, during the grand inaugural ceremony of the Krishi Sammelan evam Kisan Mela. This high-profile agricultural conference and farmers' fair attracted a distinguished audience of leading scientists, influential policymakers, and progressive farmers who gathered to witness the recognition of groundbreaking work in the field.
The Winning Team and Their Groundbreaking Project
The victorious PAU contingent comprised an interdisciplinary group of talented scholars who demonstrated exceptional collaboration across agricultural specialties. The team members included Tarun Kapoor and Shivani Upadhyay from the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Lakshay Sharma from the Department of Soil and Water Engineering, and Lakshya Kamboj from the Department of Agronomy.
Their winning entry, titled "Wheat 2.0: Sustainable Biofortification for Smart Nutritional Management," was selected as the top innovation from an impressive field of nearly 150 competing teams representing various states throughout Northern India. This project stood out for its comprehensive approach to addressing critical nutritional challenges in staple food production.
Rigorous Competition and Innovative Methodology
AgriThon 2.0 was structured as a demanding, multi-tiered competition that commenced in October 2025. Over the course of four intensive months, the PAU students meticulously refined their pioneering concept, which centers on two key agricultural technologies:
- Rapid Generation Advancement techniques to accelerate crop improvement cycles
- Genetic biofortification methods to enhance nutritional content
The "Wheat 2.0" model presents a sustainable methodology for improving the nutritional value of cereal crops while simultaneously ensuring these varieties remain viable, productive, and economically feasible for farmers working in actual field conditions. This innovative approach successfully merges cutting-edge genetic science with practical crop improvement strategies to tackle long-term nutritional security concerns.
Essential Mentorship and Institutional Support
Expert guidance played a pivotal role in the team's remarkable achievement. The project was carefully developed under the mentorship of Dr. Achla Sharma, Principal Wheat Breeder at PAU, whose extensive experience helped the students effectively bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical field-level application.
Following the victory, PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal extended his congratulations to the winning team, emphasizing that their success reflects the university's steadfast commitment to scientific innovation and alignment with national agricultural priorities. This achievement underscores PAU's position as a leading institution driving meaningful advancements in agricultural research and development.
