Ludhiana, September 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab farmer, agriculture consultant, AI-in-agriculture expert and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) alumnus Dr Malwinder Singh Malhi recently represented India at a global agricultural gathering in Iowa, USA, where he shared perspectives on ethanol, maize and opportunities for India-US cooperation in agriculture.
Dr Malhi, who also serves as Industrial Advisor to the Department of Biotechnology, was invited to speak on “Ethanol: India-US Perspectives” at Party in the Pasture, hosted by Iowa farmer and Global Farmer Network leader Bill Couser at his farm in Nevada, Iowa.
The international gathering brought together more than 100 participants, including farmers from over 20 countries, scientists from Iowa State University, industry representatives, sponsors and agricultural leaders.
Dr Malhi’s presentation sparked discussions on ethanol, maize, agricultural transformation and the scope for greater collaboration between India and the US. He shared India’s experience with ethanol blending and highlighted the growing importance of maize in the country’s agricultural economy.
He also discussed how sustainable biofuel development could contribute to higher farmer incomes, energy security, crop diversification and rural economic growth.
“It was a great honour to represent India among farmers and agricultural leaders from around the world. Farmer-to-farmer learning has no borders,” Dr Malhi said.
Focus on Science, Technology and Farmers
During his Iowa visit, Dr Malhi also visited the Iowa State University exhibit at the Farm Progress Show in Boone. He interacted with students, faculty members and researchers and explored developments in artificial intelligence, precision agriculture, nitrogen management, robotics, sensors, automation and sustainable farming.
As a third-generation farmer from Punjab with more than four decades of practical agricultural experience, Dr Malhi emphasised the need to connect scientific research and emerging technologies with farmers’ practical requirements.
“The future of agriculture will be built through Farmers + Students + Scientists + AI working together. When science listens to farmers, and farmers embrace technology, agriculture moves forward,” he said.
Interaction with World Food Prize Foundation
Another key engagement during the visit was an interaction with leaders of the World Food Prize Foundation, providing an opportunity to connect with the international community working on food security, sustainable agriculture and agricultural innovation.
Dr Malhi expressed gratitude to Bill Couser, the Global Farmer Network, Iowa State University, World Food Prize Foundation President Mashal Husain and the participating farmers, scientists, industry representatives and agricultural leaders for providing the platform to present India’s agricultural perspective.
PAU’s Global Linkages
Senior academic and agricultural leaders associated with PAU, including former Vice Chancellor Dr S.S. Gosal, Dean of the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology Dr Manjit Singh, Dean of the College of Agriculture Dr C.S. Aulakh and Dr Parveen Chhuneja, appreciated Dr Malhi’s international engagement.
They highlighted the opportunity to strengthen PAU’s association with leading global institutions and platforms, including Iowa State University and the World Food Prize Foundation.
The Iowa visit underlined the growing significance of India-US agricultural cooperation, farmer-to-farmer knowledge exchange and AI-driven innovation, with practical technologies placing farmers at the centre of agricultural transformation.
Dr Malhi continues to advocate collaboration between farmers, scientists, students and technology experts, stressing that innovation in agriculture must remain rooted in the needs and experiences of farmers.
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