{
  "id": 14817998,
  "title": "Horticulturist Harvinder Singh Dhaliwal takes charge as Punjab Agricultural University V-C",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/horticulturist-harvinder-singh-dhaliwal-takes-charge-as-punjab",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T23:30:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/harvinder-dhaliwal-punjab-agricultural-university-new-vice-chancellor-10923776/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dr. Harvinder Singh Dhaliwal took office as the 12th Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) on Thursday. A seasoned horticulturist and agricultural scientist, Dhaliwal boasts extensive experience in research, education, and extension, rooted in Punjab's farming community. His appointment signals a crucial step for the University as Punjab's agriculture navigates sustainable solutions to crop diversification. Born in a rural family in Mansa district, Dhaliwal has maintained strong ties to farmers and rural areas throughout his career. A horticulture expert focusing on fruit science, he has made significant contributions to crop improvement and horticultural diversification in Punjab. With 31 years of experience as an agricultural scientist, Dhaliwal has held leadership roles at PAU, including Dean of the College of Agriculture (2013-2017), Additional Director of Research (Horticulture), and Director of Extension Education. His diverse experience equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the University's academic, research, and community engagement responsibilities. Internationally, Dhaliwal conducted research on citrus improvement at the University of Florida, USA, and collaborated with institutions like Curtin University of Technology, Australia, and the University of Maine, USA. His scientific work includes 28 recommendations added to PAU's Package of Practices, the introduction of banana and amla varieties, and the development of 11 fruit varieties, such as the low-seeded PAU Kinnow-1. He has led six research projects as Principal or Co-Principal Investigator and has authored 189 publications, including 81 research papers in respected journals. His initiatives have also resulted in the creation of a cutting-edge Leaf Analysis Laboratory and a virus-free nursery accredited at the national level at PAU.",
  "summary": "Harvinder Singh Dhaliwal, a distinguished horticulturist and agricultural scientist, has been appointed as the 12th Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana. With nearly three decades of experience in agricultural research, education, and extension, Dhaliwal brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the role. Born and raised in a rural family in Mansa district, he has maintained strong ties to Punjab's farming community throughout his career. His academic and professional journey includes serving as Dean of the College of Agriculture, Additional Director of Research (Horticulture), and Director of Extension Education. Dhaliwal's international collaborations and research contributions, including work on citrus improvement at the University of Florida, USA, and research initiatives with the University of Florida, Curtin University of Technology, Australia, and the University of Maine, USA, have further enriched his expertise. His scientific contributions, such as 28 recommendations incorporated into PAU's Package of Practices and the development of 11 fruit varieties, including the low-seeded PAU Kinnow-1, demonstrate his commitment to advancing agricultural practices in Punjab.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}