Scientists and students from the Department of Extension Education at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) participated in an international conference on women and youth for transforming agri-business ecosystems, held in Kathmandu, Nepal, from June 9 to 11.
Conference Highlights
The event brought together researchers, academics, policymakers, extension professionals, development practitioners, farmers, and students from various countries. Discussions focused on the role of women and youth in transforming agri-business ecosystems and fostering sustainable development.
Presentations and Recognition
PAU representatives delivered 14 oral and poster presentations covering innovative research on agricultural extension, rural development, women empowerment, youth engagement, entrepreneurship, digital agriculture, and sustainable agri-businesses. These presentations received high praise from delegates and experts.
Seven presentations were adjudged as best paper presentations, reflecting the high quality and relevance of the research. Additionally, a student received the best MSc research scholar award for outstanding academic and research work, and another participant was honored with the presidential award for performance during the conference.
Faculty Awards
Faculty members also received prestigious awards. Karamjit Sharma, deputy director of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Muktsar, and Mandeep Sharma, assistant professor in the Department of Extension Education and Communication Management, received the best extension professional awards for their contributions to agricultural extension and rural development.
Vipan Kumar Rampal, head of the Department of Extension Education, was awarded the fellow mobilisation award for his leadership and professional development contributions. Devinder Tiwari, senior extension scientist, received the young scientist award for his research innovations in agricultural extension.
Lopamudra Mohapatra, assistant professor in Extension Education, was honored with the young woman scientist award for her research accomplishments and contributions to extension education and rural transformation.
Institutional Praise
Vice-Chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal and Director of Extension Education MS Bhullar lauded these achievements, which brought international recognition to PAU. Bhullar stated, "It speaks of the commitment of the Department of Extension Education towards research excellence, innovation, and women and youth empowerment for sustainable agri-business development."
