Ludhiana: A team of researchers from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) emerged victorious at AgriThon 2.0, a prestigious regional competition hosted by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-J) in Jammu and Kashmir. The award was conferred on February 11, 2026, during the inaugural ceremony of the Krishi Sammelan evam Kisan Mela, a high-profile event attended by leading scientists, policymakers, and progressive farmers.The winning PAU contingent featured an interdisciplinary group of scholars, including Tarun Kapoor and Shivani Upadhyay from the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Lakshay Sharma from the Department of Soil and Water Engineering, and Lakshya Kamboj from the Department of Agronomy. Their project, titled “Wheat 2.0: Sustainable Biofortification for Smart Nutritional Management,” was selected as the top innovation from a field of nearly 150 teams representing various states across Northern India.
The competition was a rigorous, multi-tiered process that began in October 2025. Over four months, the students refined their pioneering concept, which focuses on Rapid Generation Advancement and genetic biofortification. The “Wheat 2.0” model offers a sustainable method for enhancing the nutritional value of cereal crops while ensuring they remain viable and productive for farmers in the field. This approach combines cutting-edge genetics with practical crop improvement strategies to address long-term nutritional security.Mentorship played a critical role in the team’s success, with the project being meticulously developed under the guidance of Dr. Achla Sharma, Principal Wheat Breeder at PAU. Her expertise helped the students bridge the gap between theoretical research and field-level application. Following the win, PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal congratulated the team, noting that their success reflects the university’s commitment to scientific innovation and national agricultural priorities.
