PAU Launches PG Diploma in Mechatronics, M.Tech in AI and Data Science to Promote Smart Farming Ecosystem

Starting from July 2025, the university will offer a Post Graduate Diploma in Mechatronics and an M.Tech in AI and Data Science in Agriculture. (Photo Source: PAU)

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has announced the launch of two new academic programmes aimed at integrating digital innovation into agriculture. Starting from July 2025, the university will offer a Post Graduate Diploma in Mechatronics and an M.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science in Agriculture.

These programmes will be introduced under the newly established School of Digital Innovations for Smart Agriculture (S-DISA), a Rs 5 crore initiative, with fifty percent of the funding provided by the Punjab government. The school is designed to prepare students for the future of agriculture by equipping them with expertise in advanced technologies like AI, robotics, GIS, and big data.

The announcement was made during the recent visit of Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, who inaugurated new agro-processing and biotechnology facilities at PAU. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal presented the university’s digital roadmap, outlining its vision to lead a digitally driven evergreen revolution in Indian agriculture.

PAU’s approach focuses on building a smart farming ecosystem where data-driven insights support higher productivity, precision, and profitability. The integration of cutting-edge technologies such as AI, drones, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, robotics, spectroscopy, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is central to this effort. These tools will support real-time crop monitoring, early stress detection, targeted pest and weed management, and precision agriculture.

To enhance the academic and research experience, PAU is collaborating with premier institutions like IITs, BITS Pilani, and renowned international universities. These partnerships aim to strengthen curriculum development and research in emerging agri-tech fields.

In support of drone technology in agriculture, the university has established a Remote Pilot Training Organization under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) to train rural youth in UAV operations. Additionally, PAU’s Master’s programme in Remote Sensing and GIS, launched in 2012 with the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre, continues to contribute to agricultural spatial data analytics.

Furthering its research initiatives, PAU has set up the AccelBreed Speed Breeding Centre to accelerate crop genetics research. The university is also building centres of excellence in areas like genomics, bio-based and renewable energy, agribusiness incubation, and market intelligence, reinforcing its commitment to agricultural innovation.

First published on: 03 May 2025, 13:02 IST

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