Punjab Agricultural University Joins BRICS Network University on Food Security | 20 Jan 2026

Why in News? 

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has been included in the BRICS Network University under the thematic area of Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security. 

Key Points 

• Unique status: PAU is the only state agricultural university from India chosen in this thematic cluster, highlighting its research stature and contributions. 
  • Peer representation: In the same thematic area, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Delhi represents the national institute category.  
• Focus: The inclusion emphasises sustainable agriculture, food security, and innovation in agri‑food systems among BRICS nations. 
• Purpose: This will facilitate multilateral research, education and innovation frameworks to address urgent global agri‑food challenges. 
• Global grouping: The BRICS Network University includes partner institutions from the BRICS bloc — Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Indonesia — aimed at academic and research cooperation.  
  • International partnerships: The BRICS platform will allow PAU to co‑create solutions for food security, climate adaptation and sustainable rural livelihoods with partner universities. 
• Timing significance: Inclusion comes as India prepares for BRICS Chairmanship in 2026. 
  • Benefit: Farmers, researchers and students across member countries.