IEP Chandigarh, July 18
In order to make the agriculture sector profitable and boost farmers’ income in the state, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Mr Gurmeet Singh Khudian held deliberations with a delegates of Croatia and Sri Lanka, who were on a visit to Punjab. Welcoming the delegates, Mr Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that farmers of Punjab are very hardworking and their tireless efforts has brought the title “Food Bowl of the Country” to the state but now, the state needs support of technologies, research and industry to further strengthen the agriculture economy. Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann led Punjab government is striving hard to bring diversification in the agriculture sector to wean away farmers from the vicious cycle of two crops. The state has also been making concerted efforts to preserve and increase exports of perishable fruits and vegetables, besides ensuring marketing of these staples. He also asked Markfed officials to prepare and issue a list of units which helps in preservation and export of perishable fruits and vegetables. Inviting the delegation for knowledge sharing and investment in the agriculture sector of the state, Mr Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that Punjab is eager to work with Croatia and Sri Lanka to boost prosperity of farmers. Showing keen interest in working with Punjab, President of Indo Croatian Chamber of Commerce Mr Mayank Jagwani, Vice President Ms Shweta, Mr Nikola Percic and Sri Lankan deligate Mr Jaya Kumar said that there is a huge demand of Basmati Rice, Honey and Turmeric in their countries. Croatia’s delegation said that a business delegation will visit Punjab in the month of November this year to explore the modalities for cooperation in the agriculture sector. Farmers, who came from Africa, also shared their experiences and said that cultivation of Avocado could be very fruitful for Punjab farmers. Progressive farmer Harman Thind said that some farmers have already started cultivating Avocados in the state and there is no major difficulty in marketing of the fruit. Vice Chancellor PAU Dr Satbir Singh Gosal said that they will research on developing nurseries of Apple and other fruits being imported from Croatia. Special Chief Secretary Agriculture Mr KAP Sinha, Secretary Mr Arshdeep Thind, Former AMD Markfed Mr Bal Mukand Sharma and other officials were also present in the meeting.
