Ludhiana, Dec 4, 2025(Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, in collaboration with the Australia-India Hub for Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence Innovation (AI Hub) and the Australia-India Cybersecurity Leaders Alliance, hosted the International Symposium on Digital Transformation and Agribusiness Challenges at the Dr. Manmohan Singh Auditorium on 4th December, 2025. With digital partners Apni Kheti and AADVI, the symposium brought together visionary leaders, scholars, entrepreneurs, and students to explore the intersections of agribusiness, AI-driven transformation, and cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world.
The programme commenced with a prayer, followed by a floral welcome to the distinguished dignitaries, including the keynote speaker, Associate Professor at UNE Business School, Dr. Kamaljeet Sandhu, an internationally acclaimed research leader. The inaugural session set the tone for a day of insight, collaboration, and dialogue on emerging technological paradigms shaping India’s agricultural and business environment.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, the worthy Vice-Chancellor of PAU, expressed that it was an immense pleasure to be part of an event that aligns with PAU’s mission of building resilient, future-ready agricultural systems. He reminded the audience that PAU, the cradle of India’s Green Revolution, is now advancing the digitally powered Evergreen Revolution, where innovation and sustainability converge.
Dr. Gosal highlighted PAU’s sweeping digital transformation initiatives integrating Artificial Intelligence, drones, spectroscopy, robotics, omics sciences, GIS, and IoT systems into every aspect of agriculture. He spoke about real-time crop monitoring, precision fertigation, climate-responsive decision making, and omics-enabled breeding as essential cornerstones of the university’s technology-driven roadmap. Special emphasis was placed on the newly launched School of Digital Innovations for Smart Agriculture (S-DISA), funded jointly by the Punjab Government and PAU, as well as the Ministry-approved Remote Pilot Training Organisation established to train rural youth in drone operations. He noted that PAU’s High-Performance Computing (HPC) platform, advanced genotyping facilities, AccelBreed Speed Breeding Centre, and the university’s historic gene banks collectively position PAU as a national leader in sustainable, data-driven agriculture.
Dr. Ramandeep Singh, Director, School of Business Studies (SBS), underlined that agribusiness stands at a defining moment, requiring integration of entrepreneurship, digital literacy, market intelligence, and sustainability. With an emphasis on enabling farmers and youth to become value creators, he highlighted SBS initiatives and ongoing efforts to strengthen the agribusiness ecosystem.
Dr. Ramandeep emphasised the catalytic role of National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations – Technology Business Incubator (NIDHI-TBI) in promoting digital transformation. He shared how NIDHI-TBI supports agripreneurs with incubation facilities, venture guidance, market linkages, and access to advanced technologies including AI tools, digital marketing innovations, and smart agritech solutions. “NIDHI-TBI is enabling a new generation of entrepreneurs to blend agriculture with digital innovation, ensuring that PAU remains a national hub for technology-enabled agribusiness futures,” he remarked.
He encouraged students to ideate boldly, explore startup possibilities, and tap institutional support for innovation, commercialisation, and entrepreneurship. “The future of agribusiness lies in empowering youth with digital fluency, market sensitivity, and entrepreneurial courage,” he added.
The highlight of the symposium was the keynote address by Dr. Kamaljeet Sandhu, a globally recognised, multi-award-winning expert with nearly three decades of experience in Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, FinTech, Data Analytics, and Digital Enterprise Innovations. His research has earned competitive international grants, including prestigious awards from the Australian Government, ARCH-India, and collaborations with institutions such as the University of Melbourne, IIM Ahmedabad, Reserve Bank of India, and Henry Ford Health Systems, USA.
Dr. Sandhu elaborated on global cybersecurity challenges in an era where data integrity and digital trust define the strength of national economies. He shared insights from his pioneering Australian government-funded project on preventing and detecting cyber threats, highlighting its relevance to India’s expanding digital infrastructure – especially in agriculture, e-commerce, and rural markets.
He emphasised that AI is no longer a distant frontier but an active force transforming governance, supply chains, finance, and education. He asserted that digital transformation is not merely adoption of technology – it is a mind-set shift that determines national competitiveness. Drawing from his international engagements, he underscored how collaborative Indo-Australian research can strengthen cybersecurity, accelerate AI adoption, and elevate agricultural productivity.
Dr. Sandhu praised PAU’s technological vision, calling it “an institution shaping India’s next wave of digital agricultural excellence.” His keynote blended deep expertise with practical insights, making it a valuable learning experience for students and professionals alike.
The afternoon session hosted a high-level Round Table Scientific Interaction coordinated by Dr. Ramandeep Singh and Dr. Navneet Kaur, bringing together researchers, faculty, and participants for thematic discussions on digital agriculture, cybersecurity, smart agribusiness models, and Indo-Australian collaborative prospects. The rapporteur’s session summarised the key insights from the deliberations, providing a roadmap for future academic and industry collaborations.
The day concluded with a group photograph and expressions of gratitude to all speakers, dignitaries, delegates, and partners. The symposium reaffirmed the shared resolve of India and Australia to strengthen digital agriculture, enhance cybersecurity preparedness, and foster agribusiness innovation. With PAU’s visionary leadership, global partnerships, and its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, the event marked an important milestone in building a smarter, more sustainable agricultural future
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