Delegation from University of Merced in California visits PAU for tie up

Discussions were held in collaborative research with regard to fruit cultivation and crop diversification

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 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.

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.

Later, the delegation was presented a set of PAU publications.

Discussions were held in collaborative research with