Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has entered into a significant partnership with Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE), based in Chennai, through a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration will establish the PAU-TAFE Learning Centre (Advance Farm Machinery) at PAU, aiming to enhance training and development in advanced agricultural machinery.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Rishi Pal Singh, Registrar of PAU, and Dr. Gaurav Sood, Senior Vice-President of TAFE. This five-year agreement is expected to foster a mutually beneficial relationship, with both parties reaping substantial rewards from the collaboration.
Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of PAU, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its potential to strengthen students' capabilities and contribute to their professional growth. Dr. Rishi Pal Singh highlighted the anticipated benefits for both PAU and TAFE from this strategic alliance.
Dr. Gaurav Sood commended PAU's crucial role in the Green Revolution and acknowledged the university’s alumni who have significantly contributed to the industry, including positions at TAFE. He praised the collaboration as a testament to PAU’s esteemed reputation.
Dr. Manjeet Singh, Dean of the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, noted that this MoU is the third such agreement with various institutions. He assured that it would provide students with valuable exposure to cutting-edge machinery and expand their job prospects.
Dr. Mahesh Kumar Narang, Head of the Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, outlined the plan for a structured institution-industry interface. This will involve regular interactions through visits, guest lectures, and training sessions led by experts. The partnership will also focus on the development of innovative farm equipment and technologies, aiming to boost production and productivity through advanced training for extension workers and farmers.
Dr. Vishal Bector, Associate Director of Institutional Linkages, highlighted the advantages of the MoU, which will benefit Punjab’s students and farmers through access to the latest TAFE machinery and training. TAFE will also offer training to its dealers and officials as part of the agreement.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Sanjay Vij (Head of Service), Nitin Patil (Head of Sales), Vishal Mahly, and Gouri Shankar (Marketing Executive) from TAFE.
This collaboration marks a promising step towards advancing agricultural education and technology, reinforcing PAU's commitment to nurturing future leaders in the field.
