Ludhiana, May 19, 2022 (Yes Punjab News)
With an aim to forge ties with Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), a five-member US delegation, led by Dr Raj Kahlon from the University of Merced in California, visited PAU today to discuss the scope of joint venture. They interacted with the senior officials of PAU comprising Dr Shammi Kapoor, Registrar-cum-Dean, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities; Dr Sandeep Bains, Dean, Postgraduate Studies; Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research; Dr GS Mangat, Additional Director of Research (Crop Improvement); Dr PPS Pannu, Additional Director of Research (Natural Resource and Plant Health Management); Dr GS Manes (Additional Director of Research (Farm Mechanisation and Bioenergy) and Dr Harminder Singh, Head, Department of Fruit Science.
Dr Kapoor, while welcoming the visiting delegation, informed them about the three major components of PAU including research, academics and extension. He welcomed the three potential areas of diversity in crops, suitable fruit varieties and exposure for students for the tie-up.
Dr Dhatt, while highlighting the achievements of PAU in the development of wheat and fruit crop varieties, discussed the collaborative research with regard to fruit cultivation.
Mr Raj Kahlon suggested mutual cooperation in crop diversification and varietal development of fruits. Disclosing that there has been a water crunch in California during the last two years, he discussed potato processing in detail and showed keen interest in collaboration in citrus fruits like Kinnow.
Mr Ashok Bhaura from USA said: “With both sides being Punjabis, there should be an exchange of students for practical training.”
Referring to the fruit cultivation, Dr Harminder Singh told that the farmers of Punjab are cultivating more than 100 varieties of fruits. “We have ample fruit varieties of different sizes, grown in diverse agro-climatic conditions and soils, with low cost input,” he said, while adding that the seasonal conditions of both the states need to be evaluated and studied for tie-up in fruit varieties.
Later, the delegation was presented a set of PAU publications.
Subscribe to YesPunjab Telegram Channel & receive important news updates
