Punjab Agricultural University, (PAU) was established in 1962 with the aim of serving the state in terms of agricultural development. It is the country’s second oldest agricultural university, after Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. Punjab Agricultural University is privileged to be one of the best agricultural universities of the country, owing to its fathomless contribution in the Green revolution in India.

What is green revolution?

Green revolution refers to a set of prescribed research, development, and technology transfer initiatives, which took place between the 1930s and the late 1960s, that ultimately led to an augmenting agricultural production across the globe.

Punjab Agricultural University has been acclaimed as the best agricultural university in Asia. It has achieved a prestigious status at the national and international level. It has various awards and achievements for its contribution by its side, which includes recognition by Third world academy of sciences, Indian National science academy, National Academy of Natural sciences, National academy of Veterinary sciences and Best Institution award, by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research in the year, 1995.

The university even specializes in providing various courses, which comprise of five bachelor’s degrees, 51 master’s degrees and 42 doctorate programs in about 50 departments of five constituent colleges. In contrast to these courses, it also provides a Bachelor of Education programme and five year diploma programmes. The university had an institute of agriculture established at Gurdaspur. The university changed from tri semester to semester, in the year 1988. In 1993, the university switched from the letter grade system to a 10.00 credit point average system.

The main academic institutes of the Punjab Agricultural University are-

College of Agricultural – The College of agriculture, presently has five departments which include Agronomy, Agromet and Forestry & Natural Resources, Extension Education, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Soils, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Floriculture & Landscaping, Food Science & Technology, and Vegetable crops. College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology – This College has been successful in developing several new techniques for the farmers and entrepreneurs of the state. Thereby, replacing the conventional techniques of farming. College of Basic sciences and Humanities – The College covers various areas of agriculture, animal husbandry and allied fields. In order to promote basic sciences and humanities. College of Home Science – The College of Home science, aims at catering to the needs of the women in rural and urban areas and motivate them to come out of their shells. Post graduate studies – The Post graduate studies, are being handled by Dr. Neelam Grewal, with the motive of imparting perfection in the agricultural sector.

Education not only helps the youth to acquire knowledge, but at the same time it also acts as a passport to the occupational position of a higher prestige. Keeping in view the same, the Shiromani Akali Dal – BJP led Government of Punjab has been successful in making provisions in imparting skills, training and employment to the younger generation of the state. The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), has been a benchmark in increasing the level of education in the Punjab state, as well as across the nation.