Punjab agri-varsity and California University inks MoU for co-operation in agri-bussiness

Under the MoU, the universities will facilitate exchange of scientists and technologists, exchange of research material, scientific literature, methodology and also exchange of scientific equipment. 

 Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with California State University, Fresno, US, to promote cooperation in crop improvement, biotechnology, natural resources, production and cultural practices, water and irrigation technology, and agricultural business.

Under the MoU, the universities will facilitate exchange of scientists and technologists, exchange of research material, exchange of scientific literature, information and methodology, exchange of scientific equipment, will develop and implement collaborative research projects. Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, and Dr Joseph I Castro, president, California State University, signed the agreement. 

A nine-member delegation from California State University, led by Saul Jimenez-Sandoval, visited PAU and interacted with senior officials and heads of various departments.

Navtej Singh Bains, director of research, while focusing on research programmes said: “California has 25.4 million acres of cropland and Punjab has 10.37 million acres. California exports almonds and walnuts to India while Punjab exports basmati rice to the US. The two universities can also work together for Kinnow mandarin, grapes, almonds and vegetable crops.” 

Dhillon said that Punjab Agricultural University is committed to forge ties with other universities and institutes involved in developing quality manpower & research collaborations, both in India and abroad. Underlining the contribution of agricultural stalwarts, Dhillon said that Dr G S Khush, internationally known rice breeder and Dr D S Athwal, father of wheat revolution in Punjab, have been instrumental in heralding Green Revolution.