(LUDHIANA) – South Sudan and India are laying the foundation for stronger agricultural ties following a high level academic exchange between Dr John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology (DrJGMUST) and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)’s Academic Visitors Programme.
During a recent visit to India, Dr Abraham Matoc Dhal, Vice-Chancellor of DrJGMUST, engaged with senior officials and researchers at PAU to explore potential collaboration in agricultural research, technology transfer and capacity building. The talks focused on mutually beneficial cooperation that could help drive agricultural transformation in both countries, particularly in South Sudan, where agriculture is seen as a critical sector for economic recovery.
PAU Vice Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal welcomed Dr Dhal and highlighted the university’s shift from grain-focused farming towards integrated agribusiness models. He explained how PAU’s approach combines crop production with livestock, aquaculture, horticulture and agroforestry to enhance farmer incomes, improve nutrition, and generate employment. PAU also presented its innovations in surface seeding technology and climate-resilient wheat research, including root trait selection, heat tolerance, and photosynthetic efficiency as part of its eco-smart agriculture initiatives.
Dr Dhal provided insights into South Sudan’s agricultural potential, describing how more than 50 percent of the country’s landmass is prime farmland, enriched by major water bodies such as the White Nile and extensive wetland systems. He said South Sudan’s agro-ecological zones are suitable for a variety of crops, including staple grains like sorghum and finger millet, oilseeds, pulses, and high value crops such as sugarcane and coffee. Agriculture currently contributes about 23 percent to South Sudan’s Gross Domestic Product, he noted, making it a priority for national development.
Expressing interest in working closely with PAU, Dr Dhal said the collaboration would support technology adoption, innovation and human capital development in South Sudan. He explained that DrJGMUST, located in Bor, is a key institution for science driven transformation in the country, with colleges specialising in agriculture, veterinary medicine, computer science, and environmental studies.
Earlier, PAU Registrar Dr Rishi Pal Singh noted the striking similarities between the challenges faced by Punjab and South Sudan, including climate stress, unpredictable weather patterns, and the need for skilled agricultural professionals. He reiterated PAU’s belief in “knowledge without borders” and encouraged joint ventures that are tailored to the needs and realities of both regions.
PAU’s Director of Research, Dr AS Dhatt, provided an overview of the university’s contributions to Indian agriculture. He showcased water efficient farming practices, integrated nutrient management systems, and cutting edge research in areas such as genome editing and nano-fertilisers. Dr Dhatt also presented PAU’s breakthroughs in crop development, including high-zinc wheat PBW1 Zn, early-maturing wheat PBW 826, and the resistant starch-rich PAU RS-1, alongside advances in rice, cotton, sugarcane, and maize breeding.
The visit marks the beginning of what both sides hope will become a strategic South-South collaboration aimed at leveraging scientific research and technology for agricultural development. The initiative is particularly relevant for South Sudan as it continues to rebuild and diversify its economy, with agriculture seen as a key engine of growth.