A South Korean delegation met with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday in Chandigarh to discuss cooperation in smart farming, advanced agricultural machinery, and biotechnology. The meeting, which took place on January 31, 2026, follows Mann's recent visit to South Korea and is aimed at strengthening ties between Punjab and South Korea in the agricultural sector.
During the meeting, the two sides focused on increasing cooperation to modernize Punjab's agriculture with technology-based solutions for small farmers and to make agriculture a profitable enterprise. Mann emphasized that South Korea's expertise in automation, seed technology, and vertical farming models, along with small agricultural machinery, can play a crucial role in transforming farming in Punjab. He noted that the fragmentation of land holdings has made agriculture increasingly unviable for small and marginal farmers.
The South Korean delegation also visited Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) where they discussed potential academic, research, and technology partnerships. Discussions at PAU centered on priorities in agricultural mechanization, smart farming systems, and machinery for sustainable food production. The visiting team and PAU representatives explored avenues for joint research, faculty exchange, publications, student mobility, and the development of next-generation farm equipment. PAU Vice-Chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal highlighted the university's national and global standing and the role of the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology in strengthening farm mechanization. Gosal also noted that several machines promoted under the Centre's crop residue management program originated from PAU's designs.
The South Korean delegation expressed admiration for Punjab's rich cultural heritage and favorable business environment. Mann extended an invitation to the delegation to participate in the Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit 2026, scheduled to be held in Mohali from March 13 to 15. The summit is expected to showcase Punjab's investment opportunities across key sectors.
