American Scientist Spoke About The Challenges Of Salinity At Punjab Agriculture University

Ludhiana: Ludhiana Chapter of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAS) organized a special lecture at PAU. It was titled Genetic engineering of crops to withstand salinity under changing climates. The guest speaker of this event was Dr. Devinder Sandhu. Dr Sandhu is a research geneticist at the US Salinity Laboratory, California. The event was presided over by Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana.

Chief Guest Dr. Satbir Singh Ghosal while speaking spoke about the salinity challenges faced by Kinnu areas of Punjab and other states of India. Dr. Gosal collaborated with Punjab Agricultural University and USDA to develop salinity tolerant crop varieties for affected areas in Punjab. Emphasized the importance of establishing collaboration between salinity laboratories. He emphasized that research collaboration can provide immediate solutions to complex problems for farmers and other stakeholders.

During the lecture, Dr. Devinder Sandhu talked about the effect of drought and climate change which increases salinity elements in the soil. He highlighted the seriousness of the issue and emphasized the need for a holistic approach by plant, water, soil and climate science experts. Dr. Sandhu shared information on salinity tolerant crops using the latest DNA and RNA strategies.

Panel discussion was held

After the lecture, a panel discussion was held between Dr. Sandhu and PAU experts and students. The basis of this discussion focused on the main aspects of salinity. NAS Ludhiana Chapter Treasurer Dr. Parveen Chhuneja warmly welcomed the guest speaker, while Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, convenor of Ludhiana chapter thanked everyone. Under the supervision of Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, the Ludhiana chapter of NAS is continuously active in tackling the challenges of the agricultural sector. This includes organizing discussions, workshops, special talks, and awareness programs. Fellows of NAS, university officials, scientists and students of various departments were present in this event. Dr. Gaurav Kumar Taggar and Dr. Abhishek Sharma conducted the program successfully.